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By Matthew Robinson
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NATO forces have intercepted an Iranian ballistic munition entering Turkish airspace, Turkey's Ministry of Defense has said.
"A ballistic munition launched from Iran and entering Turkish airspace was neutralized by NATO air and missile defense assets deployed in the Eastern Mediterranean," the ministry said in a statement on Monday.
Debris from the munition fell in open land near the southern Turkish city of Gaziantep, but no casualties or injuries were reported, it said.
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It added: "We once again emphasize that all necessary measures will be taken decisively and without hesitation against any threat directed at our country's territory and airspace. We also reiterate that it is in everyone's interest to heed Turkey's warnings in this regard."
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Why It Matters
The interception of the ballistic missile in Turkish airspace highlights the growing risk that the Middle East conflict could spill into NATO territory. Turkey, which shares a 350-mile border with Iran, has been a member of NATO since 1952. On Saturday, President Masoud Pezeshkian pledged not to attack neighboring countries so long as their airspace and military bases are not used to launch attacks on Iran.
What To Know
Monday's incident marked the second time in the past week that an Iranian missile had been detected and neutralized heading towards Turkish territory.
The Defense Ministry said on March 4 that an Iranian ballistic munition was also neutralized by NATO air and missile defense assets after passing through Iraqi and Syrian airspace.
"The munition fragment that fell in the Dörtyol district of Hatay was identified as belonging to the air defense interceptor used to neutralize the threat in the air. There were no casualties or injuries in the incident," the ministry said.
Turkey is home to the Incirlik air base located in the south, which has been used by U.S. troops for years.
Turkey has deployed six F-16 fighter jets and air defense systems to Northern Cyprus on Monday. The Defense Ministry said the deployment was part of the "phased approach to enhancing security" of the territory, adding that further measures could be taken.
Security concerns over the island have increased after an Iranian drone struck the British RAF Akrotiri air base on Cyprus last week.
The Iran conflict began on February 28 when Israel and the United States launched air strikes targeting Iran's leadership and military infrastructure. Tehran has responded with retaliatory strikes across the region, targeting Israel, many Gulf states and Azerbaijan.
What People Are Saying
Turkey's Ministry of National Defense said on March 4: "Our determination and capacity to ensure the security of our country and our citizens are at the highest level. While Turkey stands on the side of regional stability and peace, it is fully capable of safeguarding its territory and citizens against threats from any actor or direction.
"Every necessary step for the defense of our land and airspace will be taken resolutely and without hesitation. We remind that our right to response to any hostile act against our country remains reserved.
"We call on all parties to refrain from steps that could further escalate the conflict in the region. In this context, we will continue consultations with NATO and our other allies."
NATO spokeswoman Allison Hart said on March 4: "NATO stands firmly with all allies, including Turkiye, as Iran continues its indiscriminate attacks across the region.
"Our deterrence and defense posture remains strong across all domains, including when it comes to air and missile defense."
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