ISTANBUL — A ballistic missile fired from Iran toward Turkish airspace after passing Syria and Iraq was destroyed by NATO air and missile defense systems in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, the Turkish Defense Ministry said on Wednesday.The ministry said in a statement that there were no casualties or injuries in incident, adding that Turkey reserves the right to respond to any hostile actions against it, while warning parties to refrain from steps that could escalate the conflict.Fragments that fell in the Dortyol district of southern Hatay province belonged to the interceptor used to destroy the threat, the ministry added.“Our determination and capacity to ensure the security of our country and our citizens are at the highest level,” the statement said.“While Turkey stands for regional stability and peace, it is fully capable of safeguarding the security of its territory and citizens against any threat, regardless of origin,” it added.The ministry stressed that all necessary measures to defend Turkish land and airspace will be taken decisively and without hesitation.“We reserve the right to respond to any hostile act directed at our country,” it said, warning all parties against actions that could escalate the regional conflict.Turkey’s Communications Director Burhanettin Duran also confirmed on NSosyal that Ankara’s determination and capacity to protect the country remain at the highest level.“Every step to defend our land and airspace will be taken without hesitation,” Duran said.
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