A ballistic missile launched from Iran towards Turkey was destroyed by NATO air defences, with Ankara warning Tehran against escalating regional conflict.

ANKARA: A ballistic missile launched from Iran and heading towards Turkish airspace was destroyed by NATO air defence systems on Wednesday, according to Turkish officials.

The defence ministry stated that the munition was detected passing through Iraqi and Syrian airspace before being engaged and rendered inactive by NATO assets stationed in the eastern Mediterranean.

It confirmed that a fragment from the destroyed missile fell in the Dortyol district of Hatay province, causing no casualties.

The ministry asserted that any steps necessary to defend Turkish territory and airspace would be taken decisively and without hesitation.

“We reiterate that we reserve the right to respond to any hostile actions directed at our country,” the statement added.

Following the incident, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan told his Iranian counterpart in a phone call that any steps that could lead to the spread of conflict should be avoided.

 The Sun Malaysia