An Italian military base in Erbil came under attack on Thursday, Italy’s foreign and defence ministers said, although no personnel were injured.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said he had spoken with Italy’s ambassador to Iraq after the incident and confirmed that all troops were safe.
“Strong condemnation of the attack on the Italian base in Erbil,” Tajani wrote on social media. “I have just spoken with the Italian ambassador to Iraq. Fortunately, our soldiers are all well and safe in the bunker. I express my solidarity and gratitude to them for their daily service to their country.”
Defence Minister Guido Crosetto also confirmed that there no Italian injuries in the incident.
Italian troops stationed in Erbil are part of an international mission training Kurdish security forces in northern Iraq. The deployment forms part of broader efforts by allied countries to support regional security and counter extremist groups operating in the area.
Sources said the attack involved a Shahed-type drone that struck a military vehicle inside the base.
According to the same sources, investigators believe the base itself may not have been the intended target. The drone may have lost altitude before reaching its objective and crashed into the vehicle within the installation.
The incident comes amid heightened tensions in the wider Middle East region, where security concerns have increased following the escalation of conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel.
Italy maintains a number of overseas military deployments as part of NATO and international stabilisation missions, with personnel stationed in areas including Iraq, Lebanon and the Balkans.
