NATO stands by the assertion that a ballistic missile launched from Iran was targeting Turkey before being shot down, an alliance spokesperson told Agence France-Presse on Thursday, contradicting a Turkish official’s claim that it was headed for a military base in Cyprus.
Asked whether the missile deliberately targeted any locations in Turkey, spokesman Martin O’Donnell replied “yes” and referred to the alliance’s formal response to the incident on Wednesday.
In an initial statement, NATO spokesperson Allison Hart said the alliance condemns “Iran’s targeting of Türkiye,” using the country’s official name.
O’Donnell declined to provide further details on the missile’s target, citing security concerns.
“I will refrain from revealing any additional information that could impact security or force protection,” he said.
Earlier Thursday, Turkey’s defense ministry said NATO’s defense systems had intercepted and neutralized “a ballistic missile fired from Iran and detected heading towards Turkey” but added no further detail.
On Wednesday the ministry had referred to a missile “heading towards Turkish airspace” but a Turkish official later told AFP, on condition of anonymity, that it had been “aimed at a base in Greek Cyprus but veered off course.”
© Agence France-Presse