UPDATE: Italy is pulling its remaining troops from the military base in Erbil, northern Iraq, following a recent missile strike on the facility. Defence Minister Guido Crosetto confirmed this urgent drawdown on Thursday, emphasizing that the withdrawal was already in motion prior to the attack.
The missile strike, which occurred earlier this week, thankfully caused no casualties among Italian personnel. All troops were reported safe after implementing pre-planned security procedures, moving into protected areas when the strike happened. This swift response highlights the ongoing security concerns in the region.
Crosetto revealed that Italy has already withdrawn 102 personnel back to Italy, while around 40 others have been relocated to Jordan. Despite the logistical complexities of the operation, which will require ground transport likely through Türkiye, he stated that the return of the remaining contingent is being organized.
When asked about the intent behind the missile attack, Crosetto described it as deliberate, citing that the facility is a NATO base that also hosts significant U.S. infrastructure. “We had anticipated the possibility of an attack, prompting immediate security measures,” he told RAI, the Italian public broadcaster.
This incident occurs amidst a broader escalation of conflict involving Iran, following U.S. and Israeli strikes that began on February 28. Iranian forces have retaliated with drone and missile attacks targeting various locations in the region, raising concerns for international coalition forces.
The situation is particularly critical for Hungary, which has troops deployed in Iraq as part of international efforts. Any sustained escalation around coalition facilities significantly heightens the risk for allied contingents operating in the area.
As Italy prepares for this withdrawal, the implications for regional security and NATO operations remain a pressing concern. The developments around the Erbil base are being closely monitored by military officials and allied nations.
Stay tuned for more updates on this urgent situation as it unfolds.
