Mar 12 β€’ 08:17 UTC πŸ‡ΆπŸ‡¦ Qatar Al Jazeera

Ankara: Incirlik is a Turkish base

The Turkish Ministry of Defense reaffirmed that Incirlik Air Base is a Turkish base, with Turkish command, despite the presence of foreign troops, including Americans.

On Thursday, the Turkish Ministry of Defense stated that measures have been taken along the border with Iran, assuring there are no exceptional conditions. They confirmed that a German Patriot missile defense system has been activated in Malatya province. The Ministry emphasized that Incirlik Air Base is under Turkish command and led by a Turkish Brigadier General, clarifying that the presence of U.S. troops does not alter its status as a Turkish base; they also noted personnel from Spain, Poland, and Qatar are stationed there.

Additionally, the Turkish Ministry of Defense reported that NATO defense systems in the Eastern Mediterranean have intercepted a ballistic missile, the second launched from Iran that entered Turkish airspace. Debris from the missile fell in an open area in Gaziantep, southern Turkey, but fortunately, no casualties or damage were reported. This incident reflects the heightened tensions and military activities in the region amidst ongoing conflicts involving Iran.

Iranian media previously reported that President Masoud Bezhaskian indicated Iran's readiness to form a joint investigation team with Turkey regarding claims of missile launches towards Turkish territory. This diplomatic engagement suggests a desire to address security concerns and enhance communication between the two nations, providing a possible pathway for reducing tensions.

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