NATO downs third Iranian ballistic missile over Turkey

Turkey’s defense ministry says a ballistic missile from Iran had been shot down in Turkish airspace by NATO defenses, in the third such incident in just over a week.

“A ballistic munition launched from Iran and entering Turkish airspace was neutralized by NATO air and missile defence assets deployed in the Eastern Mediterranean,” a ministry statement says.

It adds that it has asked Iran for an explanation, and reiterates that “all necessary measures are being taken decisively and without hesitation against any threat” to Turkish territory and airspace.

Earlier, Turkish media reported that sirens had been heard at Turkey’s Incirlik airbase, a key NATO facility where US troops are stationed near the southeastern city of Adana.