UPDATE: Italy is urgently withdrawing its remaining troops from the military base in Erbil, Iraq, following a missile strike that hit the facility earlier today. Defence Minister Guido Crosetto confirmed the planned drawdown, emphasizing that the military had already initiated the reduction of its presence due to escalating security concerns in the region.
In a statement, Crosetto reassured that no Italian personnel were harmed in the attack, as all troops had safely relocated to protected areas as part of pre-established security protocols. “The strike caused no casualties or injuries among our personnel,” he said, highlighting the effectiveness of their preparedness.
The current withdrawal plan has been in motion prior to the missile strike. Crosetto disclosed that 102 personnel have already returned to Italy, while approximately 40 others have been relocated to Jordan. The remaining troops are expected to leave by land due to logistical complexities, likely traveling through Turkey.
When asked about the nature of the missile strike, Crosetto remarked it appeared deliberate, as the facility is a NATO base and hosts significant US infrastructure. He noted that the potential for such an attack had already been anticipated, prompting immediate security measures to be put in place earlier in the day.
This incident occurs amid a backdrop of increasing tensions in the region, particularly involving Iran, following US and Israeli strikes that began on February 28, 2023. These developments have led to Iranian retaliation with drone and missile attacks on various locations, raising alarm for coalition forces in Iraq, including Hungarian troops deployed at the Erbil base.
The implications of this situation are significant for NATO allies, as sustained escalations around key coalition facilities heighten risks for all personnel involved. As the crisis unfolds, the focus will remain on the safety of troops and the broader impact on regional stability.
Stay tuned for more updates as this situation develops.
