Italy confirms deliberate attack on Erbil base, begins troop relocation

Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto revealed Thursday that a recent attack near the Iraqi city of Erbil was deliberately aimed at a military base hosting NATO forces, though Italian troops stationed there suffered no casualties or damage. Speaking in an interview with Italy's TG1 news program, Crosetto detailed the precautions that protected Italian personnel from what he described as "an absolutely deliberate attack."

Pre-warning enabled protective measures

"The Italian contingent at the Erbil base had been warned of the possibility of an attack and had implemented all security measures since 8.30 am, so they had entered protected areas," Crosetto explained. "As a result, there was no damage to the contingent." He noted that the base, which hosts both NATO and US forces, has been targeted repeatedly in recent days, reflecting the heightened threat environment as regional conflict expands.

Personnel relocated amid escalating tensions

Crosetto confirmed that Italy has already begun reducing its military presence in the region. According to the minister, 102 personnel have already returned to Italy from the mission, while approximately 40 others have been relocated to Jordan. For the remaining 141 personnel, withdrawal plans are being prepared, though logistical constraints complicate the process. "It is not possible to send a plane directly, so the return must be carried out by land, probably via Türkiye," Crosetto stated, highlighting Ankara's strategic importance as a transit route for allied forces.

Temporary relocation, not permanent withdrawal

The minister emphasized that any troop relocation would be temporary and does not represent a broader strategic withdrawal from the region. He stressed the importance of maintaining stability in the area, warning that regional instability has direct consequences for Europe. "This war increasingly demonstrates that stabilizing these areas is crucial, because every time the region flares up, waves of damage reach our homes. Even if they seem distant, the effects are very close to us in terms of the impact on our daily lives," Crosetto added, underscoring the interconnected nature of global security.