UPDATE: Italy has confirmed it will withdraw its remaining troops from the Erbil military base in northern Iraq following a missile strike on the facility. Defence Minister Guido Crosetto announced this urgent decision on Thursday, revealing that the drawdown was already in motion prior to the attack. Thankfully, there were no reported casualties or injuries among Italian forces, who had moved to secure areas as part of pre-planned safety protocols.
The missile strike on the NATO base, which also hosts US infrastructure, underscores increasing tensions in the region. Crosetto emphasized that the attack appears to have been deliberate, raising concerns about the safety of coalition personnel. “This is a NATO base,” he stated during an interview with Italian public broadcaster RAI, confirming that security measures had been implemented earlier in the day in anticipation of such threats.
Italy is reducing its military presence in Iraq due to escalating security concerns. As of now, 102 personnel have already returned to Italy, while approximately 40 others have been relocated to Jordan. Crosetto noted that the return of the remaining troops is being organized, though he described the operation as logistically challenging, as they will likely exit via land routes through Türkiye instead of direct flights.
This development is particularly significant for Hungary, where troops are also deployed at the Erbil base as part of international peacekeeping efforts. The ongoing conflict in the region, especially following US and Israeli strikes that began on February 28, has heightened the risk for allied forces, emphasizing the need for vigilance and rapid response.
As tensions continue to rise, the situation remains fluid. Crosetto’s remarks reflect a broader concern over regional stability, especially with Iranian forces retaliating through drone and missile attacks. The safety of troops deployed in Iraq is now a pressing issue for NATO and coalition partners.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as the situation evolves.
