Second missile in a week: Iran launches another strike toward Türkiye
Photo: Türkiye intercepts another Iranian ballistic missile (Getty Images)
Today, March 9, Iran once again launched a ballistic missile toward Türkiye. This marks the second attack on the allied country within the past week, according to the Turkish Ministry of Defense.
According to the ministry, the ballistic missile, launched from Iran and entering Turkish airspace, was neutralized by NATO air and missile defense systems deployed in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Part of the debris fell onto empty fields near the city of Gaziantep. According to preliminary information, no one was injured and no damage was reported.
The Turkish Ministry of Defense stressed that the country places great importance on good neighborly relations and regional stability. At the same time, Ankara stated that it will respond decisively to any threats against its territory or airspace.
“We remind everyone that respecting Türkiye’s warnings on this matter is in everyone’s interest,” the defense ministry said in a statement.
First Iranian ballistic missile attack on Türkiye
Türkiye had already reported intercepting a ballistic missile launched from Iran on March 4.
According to Ankara, the missile flew over the airspace of Iraq and Syria before heading toward Türkiye.
It was destroyed by NATO air defense forces deployed in the Eastern Mediterranean. Debris from the missile fell in Hatay province. At the time, there were no casualties or injuries.
The next day, March 5, Iran’s General Staff officially denied launching a missile toward Türkiye. Tehran reportedly emphasized its respect for the territorial integrity of its neighbor.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte described the Iranian missile incident targeting Türkiye as a “serious incident,” though the alliance does not plan to invoke Article 5 on collective defense.
Strikes on Azerbaijan and Cyprus
On March 5, Iran attacked Azerbaijan for the first time. A drone launched from Iranian territory struck an airport building, causing an explosion and fire. Witnesses captured the attack on video.
Earlier, on March 2, Iran twice attacked a British military base in Cyprus with drones, triggering explosions near the runway.
Due to the escalating situation, Greece sent two warships and a pair of F-16 fighter jets to Cyprus.
On March 1, Iran launched two ballistic missiles at British bases in Cyprus, both of which were intercepted.
These events are unfolding amid growing escalation in the Middle East.
