NATO: Plans ready to defend Turkey

By Associated Press

Oct 9, 2012 6:13 AM CDT

Copied

NATO: Plans ready to defend Turkey — FILE - In this Sunday, Oct. 7, 2012 file photo, Turkish military station at the border gate with Syria, across from Syrian rebel-controlled Tel Abyad town, in Akcakale, Turkey. Syria and Turkey exchange fire across their troubled border for a sixth straight day, attacks that look increasingly like an... (Associated Press)

NATO says it is ready to defend alliance member Turkey amid artillery exchanges along its tense southeastern border with Syria.

Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said Tuesday that Ankara can rely on the alliance, which has "all necessary plans in place to protect and defend Turkey if necessary."

But he appealed to all parties involved to show restraint and avoid an escalation in the crisis.

Turkey and Syria have exchanged mortar and cannon fire across their common border since errant Syrian shells killed five Turkish civilians last week. The border region has been the scene of bloody clashed between Syrian government forces and rebel militants who have used safe havens within Turkey.

Syria says it is not seeking any escalation of violence with Turkey.