NATO shoots down another Iranian missile heading towards Turkey

2026-03-09 13:46:34Kosova&Bota SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX

A ballistic missile launched by Iran has been shot down in Turkish airspace, according to the Turkish defense ministry.

The missile was destroyed by NATO defenses based in the eastern Mediterranean, she said, adding that fragments of the munitions fell in empty fields in Gaziantep, in southeastern Turkey.

"We emphasize once again that all necessary steps will be taken decisively and without hesitation against any threat directed at the territory and airspace of our country," the defense ministry said.

It is the second such incident reported in a week. Ankara said NATO defense systems shot down a ballistic missile as it headed toward Turkish airspace on Wednesday. Tehran denied launching the missile.

The "serious" incident prompted NATO chief Mark Rutte to say Article 5 was not on the table, amid fears that members could be drawn into war.


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