NATO defenses intercepted an Iranian missile on Monday that entered Turkey’s airspace, the country’s defense ministry said.
The interception is the second of a Turkey-bound missile since the U.S. and Israel launched military strikes against Iran on Feb. 28. In retaliation, Iran has fired missiles and drones at several countries across the region.
The ballistic missile was downed by NATO units stationed in the eastern Mediterranean, a Turkey Defense Ministry statement said.
The ministry said debris from the downed Iranian missile fell on empty fields in Gaziantep province in southern Turkey. There was no damage or casualties.
The ministry stressed that while Turkey values peaceful relations and stability in the region, it would not hesitate to act if its land or airspace is threatened.
“We once again emphasize that all necessary steps will be taken firmly and without hesitation against any threat directed at our country’s territory or airspace,” the statement read. “We remind everyone that complying with Turkey’s warnings in this regard is in everyone’s interest.”
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