NATO shot down Iranian ballistic missile that entered Türkiye, Iran said – this is a conspiracy of a third party

Ankara/Istanbul, March 14. The Turkish Defense Ministry claimed the attack from Iran. A ballistic missile fired on Friday had entered Turkish airspace, which was neutralized in time. “An Iranian ballistic missile that entered Turkish airspace has been neutralized by NATO air and missile defense units deployed in the eastern Mediterranean,” the ministry said in a statement.

The ministry said that all necessary steps are being taken without any hesitation against any threat coming towards the country. The situation in the region is being constantly monitored and Türkiye’s national security is a top priority. According to Xinhua news agency, Türkiye’s semi-official news agency Anadolu reported that sirens were heard at Incirlik Air Base located in the southern province of Adana on Friday morning. In some videos going viral on social media, the sound of a missile’s arrival and subsequent explosion can be heard.

The ministry said that this is the third incident of ballistic missile firing from Iran towards Turkey in recent times, which has happened amid increasing tension in the region. Meanwhile, Iran’s Ambassador to Ankara Mohammad Hassan Habibollahzadeh said in a press conference on Friday that this incident is a question for us too. He claimed that this was an act done by a third element. They want to harm the friendly and brotherly relations between the two countries.

On Tuesday, Turkey’s Defense Ministry said the Patriot air defense system, provided by NATO to help defend Turkey’s airspace, has been deployed in the eastern province of Malatya and is being prepared for operation. Earlier in the week, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had said that the war started by the attacks on Iran should be stopped before it spreads and sets the entire region on fire. He stressed that diplomacy could still go a long way in reducing tensions. He said Türkiye is continuing diplomatic efforts.