Damascus, Aug. 18 (SANA)U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Syria and IraqTom Barracksaid Tuesday that Israeli airstrikes onAbu al-Duhur airbasein Idlib were an unjustified escalation that does not contribute to regional stability.

“We are deeply concerned by confirmedIsraeli airstrikeson Abu al-Duhur Air Base,” Barrack said on X, describing them as an unjustified escalation.

We are deeply concerned that the confirmed Israeli airstrikes on Abu al-Duhur Airbase constitute an unnecessary escalation that does not advance regional stability.The Al-Sharra government has neither adopted a predatory posture nor maintained proxy forces. It has, in fact,…

He said theSyrian governmenthad not adopted a hostile position and had repeatedly expressed its desire to de-escalate.

Barrack said the United States had hosted talks and would continue to encourage diplomatic dialogue rather than military force, which he said causes frustration for both sides.

He stressed that lasting de-escalation agreements are built through sustained dialogue, adding that the United States believes restraint and communication are “the most constructive path.”

Earlier Tuesday,Syriacondemned the strikes as an unjustified act of aggression, a violation of its sovereignty and a dangerous escalation threatening regional security and stability.kA/MF