ANKARA, March 9 (Reuters) - Turkey said on Monday that NATO air defences shot down a second ballistic missile that was fired from Iran and had entered Turkish airspace, warning it will take any necessary steps against threats.
This marks the second Iranian ballistic missile in the last week that has targeted the south of Turkey, which is a NATO member and Iran’s neighbour. Ankara had warned Iran against attacking again on Saturday, but has not suggested it wants to formally call on alliance members for further protection.
“We once again emphasise that all necessary measures will be taken decisively and without hesitation against any threat directed at our country’s territory and airspace,” the Turkish Defence Ministry said, adding some ammunition parts had fallen in the southeastern province of Gaziantep but there
had been no casualties.
“We also reiterate that it is in everyone’s interest to heed Turkey’s warnings in this regard,” it said. It was unclear where the missile was headed before it was intercepted by NATO defences stationed in the eastern Mediterranean Sea.
