A missile struck an Italian military base in Erbil, the capital of Iraq’s Kurdish region, overnight, though no injuries were recorded among personnel, Italy’s defence ministry said on Thursday.
In a statement posted shortly after midnight, the ministry said the missile hit the base but confirmed that all Italian troops stationed there were safe.
“A missile hit our base in Erbil. There are no casualties or injuries among the Italian personnel. They are all fine,” the ministry said.
Italy’s Defence Minister, Guido Crosetto, was reported to be in constant contact with senior military commanders following the incident as authorities monitored the situation.
Separately, Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said Italian soldiers took shelter in a bunker when the attack occurred and confirmed that all personnel were “well and safe.”
The base is located in Erbil, within the autonomous Kurdistan Region of Iraq.
According to the defence ministry, Italy currently has about 300 troops deployed in Erbil, where they are involved in training Kurdish security forces as part of international military cooperation in the region.
The incident comes amid escalating tensions across the Middle East linked to the ongoing conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States.
