Italy extends duration of missile system in SE Turkey

By Senhan Bolelli

MADRID (AA) - The Italian parliament on Thursday decided to extend the mandate of the Italian SAMP-T missile defense system deployed in Turkey's southeastern province of Kahramanmaras until Dec. 31.

The decision on Italy's international missions was adopted by the assembly and the senate's joint foreign commission.

The decision, after being approved by the senate on July 9, will enter into force with the signature of President Sergio Mattarrella.

Italy has placed the air defense systems in Kahramanmaras, after Turkey's demand from NATO on June 6, 2016.

Last week, Spain also extended the deployment of its missiles in Turkey's southern Adana province until the end of this year.

The extension process will be officially announced after an approval from NATO.

Spain’s Patriot air defense missiles have been deployed in Adana since 2015 after Turkey's request for NATO assistance.