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Turkey’s Defense Ministry said Monday that NATO air and missile defense systems deployed in the Eastern Mediterranean intercepted and neutralized a ballistic missile launched from Iran after it entered Turkish airspace.
In a statement posted on the social media platform X, the ministry said debris from the projectile fell on unoccupied land in the Şahinbey district of the southeastern province of Gaziantep. Authorities reported no casualties or injuries.
The ministry said Turkey attaches “great importance to good neighborly relations and regional stability,” but stressed that Ankara would respond firmly to any threat targeting its territory or airspace.
“All necessary measures will be taken decisively and without hesitation against any threat directed at our country’s territory and airspace,” the statement said, adding that all parties should heed Turkey’s warnings regarding regional security.
In a separate statement, Communications Director Burhanettin Duran confirmed that NATO defense assets engaged and neutralized the missile “in a timely manner” over the Şahinbey district.
“We once again strongly reiterate our warning to all parties, particularly Iran, to refrain from actions that could endanger regional security or place civilians at risk,” Duran said.
Azerbaijan declares solidarity
Following the incident, Azerbaijan expressed what it described as “full solidarity with the brotherly Republic of Turkey.”
A statement from Azerbaijan’s Defense Ministry said Baku “stands firmly with” Ankara and condemned the missile attack targeting Turkish territory.
“Such acts constitute a serious threat to regional peace and security and are unacceptable,” the ministry said, voicing support for the Turkish government’s efforts to safeguard the security of its territory and population.
The incident follows a similar development last Wednesday, when Turkey’s Defense Ministry said NATO air and missile defense units intercepted another ballistic munition launched from Iran toward Turkish airspace.
The developments come amid escalating regional tensions after a joint military strike by the United States and Israel on Iran. Iranian authorities have said the attack killed more than 1,200 people, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Tehran subsequently launched retaliatory drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq and several Gulf states hosting U.S. military assets.
Written by N.J.