Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto announced that Italy is working to organize the return of its forces stationed at a military base in the city of Erbil in northern Iraq, confirming that the withdrawal of the remaining contingent had already been planned before the base came under rocket attack.
Crosetto said that a rocket struck the Italian base in Erbil, noting that no Italian soldiers were killed or injured and that all personnel are in good condition.
He explained that Italy had already begun reducing its military presence in the region due to security concerns, stating that 102 Italian soldiers have returned to Italy, while about 40 others were transferred to Jordan.
He added that the repatriation of around 141 soldiers had been scheduled in advance, but its implementation is facing logistical complications, as the troops cannot be transported directly by air. It is likely that they will leave by land through Turkey.