Israel stepped up airstrikes on Syria, declaring the attacks a warning to the new Islamist rulers in Damascus as it accused their ally Turkey on Thursday of trying to turn the country into a Turkish protectorate.

Israel is increasing its attacks in Syria, drawing Turkey into a potential battle for influence and control. Though four months have passed since the collapse of former strongman Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria and its replacement by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS),

The Syrian government has condemned Israel's "impunity" as Israel stepped up air strikes on Syria, with jets hitting military targets, including an airport. Wednesday's attacks, which included ground incursions, killed 13 people, with Israel claiming it was responding to fire from gunmen during an operation in the south.