US missile system will cause birth defects in Turkey

A senior Iranian commander has warned that the US-backed radar system in Turkey will soon cause myriads of severe birth defects and fatal diseases in the host country.

“In the not too distant future, the Muslim people of Turkey will witness the births of children with congenital malformation, cancer and refractory diseases as a result of such systems,” Fars news agency quoted Commander of the Aerospace Division of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Brigadier General Amir-Ali Hajizadeh as saying on Friday.

The Iranian commander noted that the US deployed the radar system in Turkey, which is part of a broader missile system in Europe, in an act of submission to Israel, and in an attempt to provide “a proper psychological condition” for Tel Aviv.

Hajizadeh also highlighted Iran’s might in terms of responding to any military aggression by Israel and pointed out, “We have arrangements that will definitely render the shield ineffective and we will demonstrate the methods and tactics to counter the missile shield in time of action.”

In September 2011, Ankara declared its decision to allow the deployment of a US-sponsored radar base in the Kurecik district of its eastern province of Malatya.

Earlier this year, the US confirmed that the radar system had become operational, noting that American forces were manning the radar base.

Turkish activists have held several protests to voice their opposition to the radar system, saying the station will be of no benefit to Turkey and will even endanger the country’s interests.

Hajizadeh also warned against any potential threats from enemy bases in Iran’s neighboring countries, and reiterated, “If any operation is launched against us from any point, from whatever country, it makes no difference for us; We will definitely counter that and, for that aim, the enemy bases in the neighboring countries have been fully reconnoitered.”

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on March 31 announced the idea of a missile system deployment in the six members of the [Persian] Gulf Cooperation Council: Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Oman.

She proposed improved collaboration with the Persian Gulf Arab states on maritime security and missile defense to counter what she called “potential threats” from Iran.