Deliberate Attack on Italian Military Base in Erbil: Update from Defence Minister

In a significant development, Italy's Defence Minister, Guido Crosetto, confirmed on Thursday that the overnight attack on the Italian military base in Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan, was a deliberate act. During an appearance on Tg1, Crosetto emphasized the base's status as a NATO facility, also indicating its affiliation with American forces. Regarding Italy’s contingent, Crosetto noted that the current deployment of 141 troops at Erbil was already slated for evacuation, likely by land via Turkey. He revealed that 102 personnel have already successfully returned to Italy from their mission, while an additional 40 have been relocated to Jordan. "We have already returned 102 people to Italy from that mission. The current 141 troops were already being planned for their return," Crosetto stated. He acknowledged the complexity of the evacuation, highlighting the challenges posed by air transport. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani also addressed the media, reassuring that the attack in Erbil did not inflict any damage on the Italian troops present at the base. He detailed that, while material damage was inflicted, its significance was minimal. Furthermore, Tajani stated that the drones responsible for the assault likely originated from pro-Iranian bases within Iraq, necessitating a thorough technical assessment to understand the situation better. In a message of reassurance, he conveyed regards from himself and the Italian government to Colonel Pizzotti, who leads the unit stationed at the base. This incident raises heightened concerns over the security of foreign military installations in the region and the ongoing tensions surrounding Iranian influence in Iraq. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2