Italy Prepares Troop Evacuation From Iraq's Erbil Following Attack

ROME, March 14 (Bernama-dpa) -- Italy is preparing to withdraw its troops near Erbil in northern Iraq, following an attack on an Italian military base there, Defence Minister Guido Crosetto told the newspaper Corriere della Sera in a story published on Friday, reported German Press Agency (dpa).

Crosetto said 102 military personnel had already returned to Italy, while 75 had been redeployed to Jordan.

“For the rest, a land-based transfer is currently being organised to return to Italy,” the minister added.

The Italian government said a drone crashed into the base a few days ago, though Italian soldiers at the base were unharmed because they had taken shelter in bunkers in time.

“The protection of our military personnel and compatriots remains the absolute priority,” Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said after the attack.

At this stage, it is crucial to exercise caution and restraint, he added.

-- BERNAMA-dpa