Italian Says NATO Base in Erbil Was Targeted, No Italian Casualties

(MENAFN) Guido Crosetto, Italy’s defense minister, said Thursday that a recent attack near Erbil deliberately targeted a military base hosting NATO forces but caused no harm to the Italian contingent stationed there.

Crosetto explained that Italian troops had already taken precautionary measures and were in protected areas when the attack occurred. “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,” he said. “As a result, there was no damage to the contingent. It was an absolutely deliberate attack.”

He noted that the base, which hosts both NATO and US forces, had previously been targeted, adding: “That is a NATO base, so it is also an American base. Incidents or attempted attacks had already occurred in recent days.”

Crosetto also outlined Italy’s ongoing adjustments to its military presence in the region amid rising tensions. He said 102 personnel have already returned to Italy, around 40 have been relocated to Jordan, and a withdrawal plan is being prepared for the remaining 141 personnel, though logistical challenges make the process complex.

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