PRESS RELEASE FROM MINISTER OF DEFENSE GUIDO CROSETTO

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"This morning in Kuwait, at the Al Salem base, a shelter was struck where an Italian Task Force Air unmanned reconnaissance aircraft was stationed.

All Italian military personnel present at the base were safe and not involved in the attack. I immediately informed the Prime Minister, the Vice Presidents of the Council, and all political leaders, both from the majority and the opposition, in order to ensure maximum transparency and sharing of the situation.

Together with the Prime Minister and the entire government, I am closely monitoring the evolving security situation in the area, in constant contact with the Chief of Defense Staff, the Joint Operational Command (COVI), and directly with commanders on the ground.

The Italian Ministry of Defense is carrying out significant collaborative activities in this area with Kuwait and, more broadly, with the Gulf countries that are friends of Italy, in the mission known as the Italian National Contingent Command Air - Task Force Air Kuwait, which was launched in 2014 (a key pillar of Italy's contribution to the international operation Prima Parthica/Inherent Resolve against DAESH), and at this time, it is making every effort to promote de-escalation of the ongoing situation.

In recent days, military personnel had already been reduced, leaving only the essential staff at the base. The loss of the aircraft has no impact on the safety of our deployed troops in the area."

Thus, Minister of Defense Guido Crosetto in a statement.