Italian base hit by drone in Iraqi Kurdistan 2026

Italian troops remain safe as authorities investigate the overnight airstrike in Irbil amid regional tensions

An Italian military base located in Iraqi Kurdistan was struck overnight by a drone, though no personnel were injured, Italian defense officials reported Thursday. The incident comes amid heightened regional instability due to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.

Initially, the Italian Defense Ministry described the event as a possible missile attack targeting the base in Irbil. Later updates clarified that a drone may have caused the destruction of a military vehicle at the site, potentially by accident.

“All Italian soldiers at the Irbil base remain unharmed, and no one was injured during the drone incident,” the defense ministry confirmed on X shortly after the event.

The base commander, Colonel Stefano Pizzotti, told Sky TG24 that Italian personnel had been alerted to aerial threats earlier and had taken refuge in protective bunkers hours before the strike.

“It appears the drone may not have been intentionally aimed at our base. It might have lost altitude and inadvertently struck a military vehicle,” Colonel Pizzotti said. Experts are currently inspecting the area to secure the site and ensure there are no further hazards.

Italy maintains approximately 300 troops stationed in Irbil to provide training and support to Kurdish security forces. Colonel Pizzotti noted that recent troop levels have been reduced as a precautionary measure due to the escalation of the US-Israeli military operations against Iran, which have increased regional risk.

Local authorities in Iraqi Kurdistan have expressed their cooperation in assessing the incident. “We are working closely with Italian forces to determine the origin and trajectory of the drone and to strengthen base security,” an official said.

The incident adds to growing concerns over the safety of international personnel in Iraq as tensions continue to rise in the Gulf and neighboring regions. Airspace monitoring and security protocols at military installations have been reinforced, particularly for bases hosting foreign troops.

Analysts note that while this strike caused no injuries, it highlights the potential risks posed by drones in conflict zones, especially amid regional military escalations. Italy’s defense ministry emphasized that the safety of its personnel remains the highest priority, and further measures will be implemented to prevent similar incidents in the future.

No group has claimed responsibility for the drone strike, and investigations are ongoing to determine whether it was a misfire, an accident, or part of a broader regional operation. Meanwhile, Italy has confirmed it will continue its training and support mission for Kurdish forces, adjusting security protocols as necessary.

The overnight event marks one of several recent incidents that have impacted international military forces in the Middle East. Observers say such events underscore the complex and unpredictable nature of operating within conflict-prone areas.