A drone attack hit the Ali Al Salem air base in Kuwait on the morning of 15/3, destroying an Italian air force unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The base houses both US and Italian forces. Italian army commander Luciano Portolano confirmed the incident but did not specify the type of drone or its operator.

General Portolano reported that the drone struck a hangar, destroying a "remotely controlled aircraft" belonging to the Italian air force. While he did not provide details on the specific model, military aviation specialist Aviationist identified the destroyed aircraft as a US-made MQ-9A Predator-B UAV.

An Italian MQ-9A aircraft at a base, pictured in 2024. Photo: Aeronautica Militare

"The affected aircraft is an indispensable asset for operational activities, deployed at the base to ensure the continuity of operations," General Portolano stated, confirming that all Italian military personnel at the base were safe and unharmed.

Italian officials indicated that the country had reduced its troop presence at the Ali Al Salem base prior to the attack. This measure was taken in response to the evolving security situation in the region, with remaining soldiers responsible for "essential operations."

No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack.

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani downplayed the severity of the incident on the same day. He noted that Western military bases, including those of the US, are frequently targeted in the region but believed that "Italians were not the target." He added, "We are not at war with anyone."

The Italian air force has acquired a total of 5 MQ-9A aircraft from the US for reconnaissance and intelligence missions. One of these was previously destroyed in an accident in 2019.

Satellite image of Ali Al Salem base after the Iranian attack on 28/2. Photo: MizarVision

Italian soldiers have been stationed at Kuwait's Ali Al Salem airport since 2019, participating in missions against the Islamic State (IS) group in Iraq. The base also hosts the US 386th Air Expeditionary Wing, described by Washington as a "key air transport hub and gateway for deploying combat power for allied and coalition forces in the region."

Foreign Minister Tajani had previously reported that Iranian missiles struck the Ali Al Salem base on 28/2, causing "significant damage" to its runway. Satellite images from that time showed large plumes of black smoke rising from the base.

An Italian base in Erbil, northern Iraq, was also targeted by a drone attack on 11/3, which resulted in no casualties. Italy had approximately 300 soldiers stationed at the Erbil base to train local security forces. Rome subsequently withdrew its personnel from that facility following the attack.

Pham Giang (According to CNN, AFP)