Türkiye says it intercepted Iranian ballistic missile approaching its airspace

The Ministry of National Defence of Türkiye said that air defence systems had destroyed a ballistic missile launched from Iran that had been detected heading towards Turkish airspace.

On Wednesday 4 March, Türkiye reported intercepting a ballistic missile launched from Iran. Turkish air defences shot it down after the missile passed through the airspace of Iraq and Syria.

A fragment of the munition that fell in the Dörtyol area of Hatay Province was identified as part of an air defence missile that intercepted the threat after it had been destroyed in the air, the ministry said, adding that there were no casualties as a result of the incident.

Türkiye stressed that all necessary steps to protect the country's territory and airspace would be taken decisively and without delay.

The Defence Ministry added that Türkiye reserved the right to respond to any hostile act directed against the country.

Türkiye also called on all parties to refrain from any actions that could lead to further escalation of the conflict in the region.

The Turkish defence ministry said that, in this context, it would continue consultations with NATO and other allies.

On Monday 2 March, Cyprus cancelled a meeting of EU ministers after an Iranian drone struck a British airbase on the island.

Later that day, reports emerged of a second drone attack on the British airbase in RAF Akrotiri.

Due to the drone threat, people were evacuated from the airport in Paphos, located about 60 km from the airbase.

Following the incident, Greece announced it would send two frigates and four F-16 fighter jets to Cyprus.