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Türkiye's Ministry of National Defense confirmed Monday that a ballistic missile launched from Iran and entering Turkish airspace was intercepted by NATO air and missile defense assets, with debris falling onto vacant land in Gaziantep, the second such incident in a week.
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"A ballistic munition launched from Iran and entering Turkish airspace was neutralized by NATO air and missile defence assets deployed in the Eastern Mediterranean," the Ministry of National Defense stated in its statement on X.
The confirmation came after earlier reports of suspected missile fragments found in Gaziantep's Guneyshehir district, where gendarmerie forces had cordoned off the area and launched an investigation.
"Some debris from the munition fell onto vacant land in Gaziantep. There have been no casualties or injuries," the announcement noted.
"Türkiye places great importance on good neighbourly relations and regional stability. However, 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," the statement noted.
"We also reiterate that it is in everyone's interest to heed Türkiye's warnings in this regard.
Respectfully announced to the public," the statement concluded.
Last Wednesday, the defense ministry had said that a ballistic munition fired from Iran toward Turkish airspace was intercepted and neutralized by NATO air and missile defense units in the Eastern Mediterranean.
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Türkiye's Head of Communications Burhanettin Duran released a statement on X after the incident and stated, "A ballistic missile, detected as having been launched from Iran and directed toward our country, was timely engaged and neutralized by NATO air and missile defense elements in the skies over the Sahinbey district of Gaziantep. No loss of life or injuries occurred in the incident."
"The development has been closely monitored by all our institutions from the very first moment, and necessary defense and security measures were immediately put into effect," he stated.
"In this regard, all our relevant units, led by the Ministry of National Defense, are operating in full coordination. The resolve and capacity of our state to protect Türkiye's airspace and border security are at the highest level," he noted.
"It is of great importance that the tension in the region does not escalate further and that the conflicts do not spread to a wider area. We once again strongly reiterate our warning to all parties, particularly Iran, to refrain from actions that risk regional security and endanger civilians," Duran said.
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