America warns of "dire consequences" if Turkey activates the Russian S-400 missile system

The US State Department said today, Friday, that the United States has expressed to high levels in the Turkish government that it does not accept Ankara's possession of Russian weapons systems such as the "S-400" and warned of "potentially dire consequences" for its security relationship with Turkey if it activates this system.

"If confirmed, we will condemn in the strongest terms the test of launching a missile from the" S-400 "system, as it is inconsistent with Turkey's responsibilities as a member of NATO and as a strategic partner of the United States, ministry spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said in a statement.

And local media reported that Turkey had conducted its first direct test of using the Russian S-400 missile system, although this was not immediately confirmed officially.

A pro-government news site A Haber reported that an S-400 missile was fired from Sinop, which overlooks the Black Sea, according to a video clip by a local witness.

The footage showed a column of smoke billowing into the sky from behind a residential area.

The report said that a series of tests will be conducted over a period of 10 days, using British-made Banshee drones.

"Haber" added that the exercises will test the capabilities of participation, detection and tracking of the "S-400" missile system, in addition to the radar and communication systems.

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