NATO air defence systems have intercepted an Iranian ballistic missile over southern Turkiye, the country's Ministry of National Defence announced on Monday The event marks the second interception of a Turkiye-bound missile since a regional war involving the US, Israel, and Iran began on February 28, heightening concerns of the conflict's spillover
The missile was shot down over the Sahinbey district of Gaziantep, a major city in southern Turkiye According to a ministry statement, debris from the downed projectile fell on empty fields in the province, and there were no reports of casualties or damage The successful interception was reportedly carried out by NATO units stationed in the eastern Mediterranean
The incident directly involves a NATO member in the widening conflict, which started after the US and Israel launched military strikes against Iran In response, Iran has initiated retaliatory attacks, firing missiles and drones at several countries in the region This escalating war has reportedly led to at least 1,045 deaths inside Iran.
The first missile interception over Turkiye occurred last week, establishing a pattern that poses a direct threat to the nation's airspace and security The Turkish defence ministry has confirmed both incidents but has not provided details on any diplomatic response to the repeated incursions into its airspace
Yasir Rai
