URGENT UPDATE: Italy is withdrawing its remaining troops from the military base in Erbil, northern Iraq, following a missile strike on the facility. Defence Minister Guido Crosetto confirmed the planned drawdown on Thursday, stating that it had been in the works prior to the attack. Fortunately, no casualties or injuries were reported among Italian personnel, who had moved to protected areas as part of their pre-planned security protocols.
The missile strike, which targeted a NATO base that also houses US infrastructure, has raised significant concerns about security in the region. Crosetto emphasized the anticipated threat, stating, “The possibility of an attack had been anticipated, prompting the implementation of security measures earlier in the day.”
Italy has already initiated the withdrawal process, with 102 personnel returning to Italy and approximately 40 others relocated to Jordan. Crosetto described the ongoing operation as logistically complex, noting that troops cannot be flown out directly. Instead, they are expected to leave by land, most likely through Türkiye.
This drawdown comes amid escalating tensions in the region, particularly involving Iran, following US and Israeli strikes that began on February 28. The situation is critical for Hungary, which also has troops deployed in Iraq, as any sustained conflict around key coalition facilities could heighten risks for allied forces.
As the situation develops, officials are closely monitoring the implications of the strike and the broader regional instability. Stay tuned for more updates on this evolving situation as it unfolds.
