NATO air defences intercepted a third ballistic missile fired from Iran towards Turkey on Friday, according to the Turkish Defence Ministry. The incident occurred near Incirlik Air Base in Adana province, where U.S. troops and personnel from other countries are stationed.
Key Takeaways
NATO air defences have intercepted three Iranian missiles fired towards Turkey since March 4. The latest incident occurred near Incirlik Air Base, where U.S. troops are stationed. Turkey has asked Iran for clarification and warned against further attacks.
- NATO intercepts third Iranian missile over Turkey
- Explosion heard near Incirlik Air Base with U.S. personnel
- Turkey demands explanation from Iran amid rising tensions
- NATO deploys additional Patriot air defence system in the region
The first two missiles were shot down by NATO on March 4 and March 9. The ministry stated that the first missile was intercepted before entering Turkish airspace, while the second had already entered it. Following these incidents, NATO has bolstered its ballistic missile defences in the region, deploying a U.S. Patriot air defence system to increase protection at the Kurecik radar base in Malatya province.
An explosion was heard and windows were shaken overnight near Incirlik Air Base, according to a Reuters witness and social media footage verified by Reuters. Turkey's state-owned Anadolu news agency reported sirens at the base early on Friday but provided no further details. The Turkish Defence Ministry confirmed that all necessary measures are being taken against any threat directed at the country's territory and airspace.
Turkey, a NATO member and Iran's neighbour, has protested to Tehran after each incident but has not indicated a desire to formally request protection from alliance members. Iranian officials have repeatedly denied deliberately targeting Turkey amid its conflict with the United States and Israel. The Turkish Defence Ministry is conducting consultations with relevant countries to clarify all aspects of the latest incident.
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