Italian Troops Repositioned After Attack in Iran

The Italian troops engaged in overseas operational theaters have been repositioned following the worsening crisis in the Middle East and the massive U.S. attack on strategic sites in Iran, known as Operation Midnight Hammer. The measures taken mainly affected areas considered sensitive or close to potential Iranian retaliation targets against the United States and its allies.

Preventive Measures and Contingent Security

The Minister of Defense Guido Crosetto announced that as early as Friday, preventive measures to strengthen the security of Italian troops deployed abroad had been adopted.

“Our troops are not involved in the operations and do not represent a direct target,” Crosetto clarified. “However, as a precaution, we have relocated some Italian assets situated near U.S. bases or infrastructures.”

The guiding principle of the Ministry's action has been maximum operational caution, with the aim of ensuring the safety of personnel in uniform without altering the ongoing international mandates.

The Return of the Carabinieri from Baghdad

Particularly significant is the case of the temporary redeployment of about forty Carabinieri paratroopers stationed at the international airport of Baghdad, a potentially vulnerable theater for a possible Iranian counterattack.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani explained that the troops were first transferred to Kuwait, before returning to Italy.

“The Americans had suggested that it was advisable to move away from that area, as it could be among the targets of a possible Iranian reaction,” Tajani stated.

The Situation in the Rest of Iraq

Tajani also reassured that in other areas of Iraqi territory, where Italian military personnel are present, there are currently no risk situations or direct alarms. Activities continue regularly in coordination with local and allied authorities.

Italy maintains its commitment to international missions in full compliance with international law, operating within a framework of enhanced security and in constant dialogue with coalition partners.