North Atlantic Treaty Organization air defenses intercepted a ballistic missile launched from Iran heading into Turkish airspace.
The Turkish Defense Ministry confirmed that the projectile was neutralized by defense systems deployed in the Mediterranean.
As reported by the Ankara government, the wreckage of the missile fell in an uninhabited area in the Gaziantep region, in the south of the country, without causing casualties or injuries.
In an official statement, the ministry warned that Turkey will take all necessary measures to defend its territory.
“Turkey attaches great importance to neighborhood relations and regional stability. However, we will take all necessary measures against any threat directed to our territory and our airspace,” said the Defense Ministry
.Second missile intercepted in less than a week
This is the second Iranian missile intercepted in less than a week by NATO defense systems
.Last Wednesday, another ballistic missile launched from Iran was also destroyed before entering Turkish airspace.
After that incident, the secretary general of the alliance, Mark Rutte, ruled out invoking Article 5 of the founding treaty of NATO, which states that an attack against one of its members is considered an attack against all.
Turkey reinforces its military presence in Cyprus
In parallel with the incident, Turkey announced the deployment of six F-16 fighters and air defense systems in the self-proclaimed Turkish Republic of
Northern Cyprus.This entity is only officially recognized by Ankara.
The Turkish Defense Ministry explained that the measure seeks to strengthen security on the island in the face of growing tension in the Middle East.
The warplanes will be deployed immediately and the Turkish government does not rule out taking new military measures if the regional situation deteriorates.
