A ballistic missile launched from Iran that entered Turkish airspace was shot down by NATO air and missile defense systems in the Eastern Mediterranean, Turkey's Ministry of National Defense announced.
This is the second such incident in recent days, after the ministry also reported on March 4 the interception of an Iranian ballistic missile that had headed for Turkish airspace after flying over Iraqi and Syrian airspace.
„A ballistic missile that was launched from Iran that entered Turkish airspace was neutralized by NATO air and missile defense systems in the Mediterranean sea“, reads today's announcement.
The Ministry of Defense specified that some of the pieces of the missile fell near Gaziantep, southern Turkey. There were no casualties or injuries.
“Turkey attaches great importance to good neighborliness and stability in the region. But we emphasize once again that we will take decisive and unwavering steps against any threats aimed at our territory and airspace“, said the Ministry of Defense.
The announcement also states that heeding this warning will benefit everyone.
After the first incident with the intercepted missile, Iran came out with a position that the target of the missile was not Turkey.