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NATO chief: Scud missiles launch inside Syria

22 December 2012 04:59 (UTC +04:00)

Baku-APA. NATO chief Anders Fogh Rasmussen says multiple launches of Scud-type missiles have been detected inside Syria this week. He said the news underlined the necessity of deploying Patriot missiles to Turkey, APA reports quoting Xinhua.

He said, "I can confirm that we have detected the launch of scud-type missiles. We strongly regret that act. I consider it act of a desperate regime approaching collapse. The fact that such missiles are used in Syria emphasizes the need for effective defence and protection of our ally Turkey.

Let me stress that the launch, the recent launch of missiles has not hit Turkish territory but of course there is a potential threat and this is exactly the reason why NATO allies decided to deploy Patriot missiles in Turkey for a defensive purpose only, but with the aim to ensure effective defense and protection of the Turkish population and territory."