NATO intercepts the fourth missile launched from Iran towards Turkey. Patriot systems, activated again
A ballistic missile launched from Iran that entered Turkish airspace was neutralized by NATO air and missile defense systems deployed in the eastern Mediterranean, Ankara's Defense Ministry said on Monday.
The missile was neutralized by NATO air and anti-missile defense systems PHOTO Profimedia
“A ballistic munition, determined to have been launched from Iran and entered Turkish airspace, was neutralized by NATO air and missile defense systems deployed in the eastern Mediterranean”the ministry said in a statement, quoted by Turkey's state-run Anadolu news agency.
The institution emphasized that Turkey reacts firmly to any potential threat and closely monitors developments in the region.
“All necessary measures are taken, decisively and without hesitation, against any threat to the country's territory and airspace, and all developments in the region are closely followed, with priority for national security”the statement also states.
The first interception took place on March 4, when NATO shot down a missile fired at an unknown target. Iran has previously denied that it had fired missiles at Turkey, while the Turkish government says it has evidence that they came from Iran.
After previous interceptions, NATO has deployed two additional Patriot missile defense systems to Turkey, writes Bloomberg.
Missiles fired in the past from Iran are suspected to have targeted an advanced early warning radar system in eastern Turkey, as well as the Incirlik Air Base in the south of the country, which hosts NATO forces, including hundreds of US troops.
Ankara does not allow its airspace or bases to be used for attacks against Iran.
Tehran has denied, following the three previous incidents, that it authorized such launches and has asked Ankara to launch a joint investigation into them.
