A ballistic missile launched from Iran, which entered Turkish airspace, was neutralized by NATO’s air and missile defense systems deployed in the eastern Mediterranean, announced the Ministry of Defense in Ankara on Monday.
“A ballistic munition, which was established to have been launched from Iran and entered Turkish airspace, was neutralized by NATO air and missile defense systems deployed in the eastern Mediterranean”, states a press release from the ministry, quoted by the state-run Turkish news agency, Anadolu.
The institution emphasized that Turkey responds firmly to any potential threat and closely monitors developments in the region.
“All necessary measures are taken, decisively and without hesitation, against any threats to the territory and airspace of the country, and all developments in the region are closely monitored, with a priority for national security”, the statement further notes.
The first interception took place on March 4, when NATO shot down a missile launched towards an unknown target. Iran had previously denied launching missiles towards Turkey, while the Turkish government maintains that it has evidence that they originated from Iran.
Following previous interceptions, NATO has deployed two additional Patriot missile defense systems in Turkey, writes Bloomberg.
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