General Iannucci between Kuwait, Iraq and Kurdistan
A clear and direct message, that brought by the Army Corps General Giovanni Maria Iannucci, former Commander of the Folgore Parachute Brigade and, today Commander of the COVI (Comando Operativo di Vertice Interforze)to the Italian soldiers engaged between Kuwait and Iraq: 'What you do is important'. On the occasion of the Easter holidays, the Commander wished to be present alongside his men and women in uniform, recognising the value of their daily commitment in a strategic and unstable area.
The visit began on Easter Monday at the 'Castra Praetoria' airbase in Ali al-Salem, Kuwait, where he was welcomed by Colonel Fabio Bergamini, Commander of the Kuwait Air Task Force. After greeting the personnel and taking stock of the operational situation, General Iannucci met the Italian Ambassador to Kuwait, Lorenzo Morini. From there, the journey continued to Baghdad and Iraqi Kurdistan, symbolic and operational stages of a mission that reaffirms Italy's centrality in regional balances.
In Baghdad, the Commander visited the Diplomatic Support Centre, where Special Forces, logistics units and Mobile Training Teams operate. In parallel, he witnessed a significant joint air exercise between the Italian Air Force and the Iraqi Air Force, called 'UR2'. The operation involved Iraqi F-16s, Italian Eurofighters, NH90 helicopters, C-27Js, C-130s and a Special Forces team. A clear example of interoperability and cooperation between the two armed forces, with the aim of strengthening local capabilities and contributing to stability in the region.
Institutional Dialogue and Cooperation: Summit Meetings
General Iannucci's presence in the Middle East was not limited to the operational sphere. In fact, there were numerous high-profile institutional meetings, starting with the one with Ambassador Niccolò Fontana and theDefence Attaché, Colonel Domenico Sermon. On the sidelines of the 'UR2' exercise, the COVI Commander held talks with the Iraqi Chief of Defence Staff, General Yarallah, with the heads of NATO Mission Iraq, Operation Inherent Resolve and the Iraqi National Security Advisor.
Further meetings took place the following day with local military authorities, including the Deputy Commander of the Joint Operation Command, General Al Muhammadawi, and the Commander of the Federal Police, Lieutenant General Salih Nasr Hussain Muhsin al-Amiri. These meetings were an opportunity to take stock of ongoing operations, joint training and the key role of Italian forces in supporting Iraqi security.
There was also an institutional message on behalf of the Minister of Defence, Guido Crosetto, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Luciano Portolano, conveyed by General Iannucci to the staff of the Italian Embassy in Baghdad and to the soldiers engaged in the NATO, Inherent Resolve and EUAM Iraq missions.
Erbil and Kurdistan: training that looks to the future
The last leg of the trip took the Italian delegation to Erbil, the operational heart of the Italian contingent of the 'Prima Parthica' operation. Here, General Iannucci met Consul General Tommaso Sansone and the contingent commander, Colonel Antonello Andreottola. During the operational briefing, the importance of military assistance and training activities in favour of local forces, in particular the Zeravani forces and the Peshmerga, was reiterated.
A significant moment was a visit to the Benaslawa Training Centre, where Kurdish soldiers conducted a final exercise that demonstrated the skills acquired through the courses held by Italian soldiers, from fighting techniques in built-up areas to mortar fire. General Iannucci was also received by Kurdish Interior Minister Rebar Ahmed Khalid, with whom he discussed Italy's fundamental role in the internal security of the autonomous region.
Closing the mission, the COVI Commander received words of appreciation from Lieutenant General Issa Ozeir, Chief of Staff of the Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs, who stressed the deep bond of friendship between the Kurdish people and Italy.
General Iannucci's visit confirmed the strategic and respected role of the Italian Armed Forces in the Middle East. A commitment that combines professionalism, dedication and military diplomacy in the service of peace and international stability.
Published by Condoralex
Born Alessandro Generotti, C.le Maj. Parachutist on leave. Military Parachutist Patent no. 192806. 186th RGT Par. Folgore/5th BTG. Par. El Alamein/XIII Cp. Par. Condor.
Founder and administrator of the website BRIGATAFOLGORE.NET. Blogger and computer scientist by profession.
