NATO intercepts Iranian missile heading toward Turkish airspace

The Ministry of National Defence of Türkiye announced that a ballistic missile launched from Iran and detected heading toward Turkish airspace was successfully intercepted by NATO air and missile defence systems in the eastern Mediterranean.

According to the ministry, the missile traveled through the airspace of Iraq and Syria before being neutralised. The defence ministry stated that the threat was destroyed in the air in a "timely manner" by NATO elements deployed in the region, Caliber.Az reports.

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Authorities said that debris which fell in the Dörtyol district of Hatay province was identified as belonging to air defence ammunition used during the interception. No injuries were reported as a result of the incident.

The ministry emphasised that all necessary measures would be taken decisively to protect Turkish territory and airspace. It added that Ankara reserves the right to respond to any hostile actions directed against the country.

The ministry also called on all parties to avoid actions that could further escalate tensions in the region. It noted that consultations with NATO and other allied countries would continue.

No further details were immediately provided regarding the origin or intended target of the missile.

By Sabina Mammadli