BREAKING: Missile Strikes Italian Base in Erbil

According to a report by Al Jazeera on Thursday, March 12, 2026, An Italian military base in Erbil, located in Iraq’s Kurdistan region, was hit by a missile overnight, though no injuries were reported, Italy’s Defense Ministry confirmed Thursday.

The ministry stated that all Italian personnel remained safe, and Defense Minister Guido Crosetto has been in continuous contact with senior military commanders following the strike.

Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani also confirmed the situation on X, noting that Italian troops had taken shelter in a bunker and were unharmed.

Italy currently maintains approximately 300 troops in Erbil, where they are engaged in training and supporting Kurdish security forces, the ministry added.

Officials did not provide details on the origin of the missile or the extent of the damage to the base. The incident comes amid heightened regional tensions, though Italy emphasized that the safety of its personnel was the primary concern.

The strike marks a rare direct attack on foreign military personnel in the Kurdistan region, which has generally remained more stable than other parts of Iraq. Italian authorities are reportedly reviewing security measures at the base to prevent similar incidents.

This event adds to growing concerns over the safety of international forces operating in Iraq as regional hostilities continue to affect neighboring countries.

Italy has emphasized that it remains committed to supporting Kurdish forces and maintaining regional security, while also monitoring developments closely to ensure the protection of its personnel.

The missile attack has drawn international attention, highlighting the ongoing volatility in the region and the risks faced by foreign military missions operating in Iraq.

Italy’s government has not yet indicated any planned changes to its mission but continues to coordinate closely with Iraqi authorities to assess and respond to the situation.