An Italian military base located in the Kurdistan region of Iraq came under an overnight airstrike, though fortunately no injuries were reported among the personnel stationed there.
According to officials from Italy’s defence ministry, the incident took place at the Italian base in Erbil. Initial reports described the attack as a missile strike, but further investigation suggested that a drone was responsible for the impact. The drone reportedly struck and destroyed a military vehicle within the base.
Despite the damage to equipment, Italian authorities confirmed that all personnel remained safe.
“There are no casualties or injuries among the Italian personnel. They are all fine,” the defence ministry stated in a message shared shortly after midnight.
Early assessments indicate the drone may not have been deliberately targeting the Italian base. Officials believe the unmanned aircraft might have lost altitude and crashed into the area accidentally, though investigations are still ongoing to confirm the exact circumstances.
Colonel Stefano Pizzotti, who commands the base, explained in an interview with Sky TG24 that military personnel had already been placed on high alert earlier in the evening due to warnings of possible aerial threats. As a precaution, soldiers were instructed to move into bunkers well before the strike occurred.
Thanks to those early safety measures, the troops were protected when the incident happened.
Authorities are still working to determine where the drone originated. While the immediate air raid alert has ended, experts and security teams remain on-site conducting inspections and ensuring the area is secure.
Italy currently maintains a military presence in Erbil, where roughly 300 troops are deployed. Their primary mission is to train and support Kurdish security forces as part of international efforts to stabilize the region.
However, Colonel Pizzotti noted that troop numbers at the base have recently been reduced. The decision was made due to increasing regional tensions, particularly the heightened risks linked to the ongoing confrontation involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.
The situation highlights the fragile security environment in the Middle East, where military personnel often operate under constant threat. Even when incidents do not result in casualties, they serve as a reminder of the volatility of the region and the importance of precautionary measures taken by military forces to protect their troops.
