UPDATE: Italy has announced an urgent withdrawal of 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 drawdown, emphasizing that it had been planned before the attack, which fortunately resulted in no casualties or injuries among Italian personnel.
According to Crosetto, all Italian troops are reported safe after relocating to protected areas as part of pre-established security protocols. The Italian military has already initiated a reduction in its presence in the region due to escalating security concerns. So far, 102 personnel have returned to Italy, while approximately 40 others have been moved to Jordan.
The withdrawal operation is complex, as Crosetto explained. Troops cannot be flown out directly and will likely exit via land routes through Turkey. He described the situation as logistically challenging but necessary under the current circumstances.
In a statement to Italian public broadcaster RAI, Crosetto addressed questions regarding the nature of the strike, affirming that the attack appeared deliberate due to the base’s status as a NATO facility hosting US infrastructure. He noted that the possibility of such an attack had been anticipated, prompting the implementation of security measures earlier in the day.
The backdrop of this incident is a broader escalation of conflict in the region, particularly involving Iran. Following US and Israeli strikes that began on February 28, Iranian forces have retaliated with drone and missile attacks targeting locations across the area.
This situation is particularly significant for Hungary, which also has troops stationed in Iraq as part of international efforts. The ongoing escalation surrounding key coalition facilities raises the risk level for all allied contingents operating in the region.
As developments unfold, the international community remains alert to the implications of these heightened tensions. Authorities will continue to monitor the situation closely as it evolves.
Stay tuned for further updates on this urgent situation.
