Italy plans withdrawal of troops from Erbil base: Defense minister

Italy is organizing the return of troops stationed at its military base in Erbil, Defense Minister Guido Crosetto said Thursday, noting that the withdrawal of the remaining contingent had already been planned before a missile struck the facility, Anadolu reports. “A missile hit our base in Erbil. There are no casualties or injuries among the Italian personnel. They are all safe,” Crosetto said, cited by ANSA news agency. Crosetto noted that Italy had already begun reducing its military presence in the region due to security concerns. According to the minister, 102 personnel have already returned to Italy, while about 40 others have been relocated to Jordan. “A return of the current 141 was already being planned,” he said, explaining that […]