“A missile launched by Iran, which flew through the airspace of Iraq and Syria and then headed towards our airspace from the Hatay region, was neutralized by NATO air defense systems. A fragment of the interceptor missile fell in an open area in Dortyol, Hatay; there were no reports of casualties or injuries.“ This was written on his social media profile by H. Burhanettin Duran, the head of communications of Turkey and the Ministry of National Defense.
“Our institutions were monitoring the situation in real time and in full coordination. Our determination and capacity to ensure the security of our country and our respected nation are at the highest level," Duran said. All necessary measures to protect our territory and airspace will be taken without hesitation. Any hostile actions that may occur will be met with the necessary response within the framework of international law. Consultations and cooperation with NATO and our allies will be maintained in this process.
Turkey reiterates its appeal to all parties to refrain from steps that could escalate tensions in the region and lead to the spread of conflicts in the wider area. It is of great importance for all parties to act with a sense of responsibility.
In this process, we politely ask our media organizations and social media users to act with greater sensitivity and refrain from giving credence to news reports and publications that require verification, may cause public panic or contain disinformation. It is important to be careful with information and publications other than those issued by our official bodies, Duran recalled.
As President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has emphasized on every occasion, Turkey is making intensive diplomatic efforts to ensure that peace, stability and dialogue prevail in the region. Under the leadership of our President, our country is taking an active role in preventing further escalation, protecting civilians and resolving problems peacefully, based on international law.
In the face of such developments, our greatest strength lies in the unity, solidarity and cohesion that we will demonstrate as a nation. Our country, with all its institutions, remains fully committed and performing its duties.
Turkey will continue to fulfill its responsibilities in a constructive manner to reduce tensions in the region and to resolve problems peacefully.