Statement by the Minister of Defence, Guido Crosetto

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"Attacks are underway against certain structures in Qatar, Syria and Iraq. I can assure you that all Italian military personnel in Iraq, Kuwait and Qatar have promptly adopted all the necessary security procedures, including — where necessary — preventive relocation to safe areas.

These attacks are part of the operational scenarios already considered in recent days by Defence technicians, who had immediately ordered the precautionary redeployment of Italian contingents in the affected areas.

To date, all personnel are therefore safe and there are no consequences or critical issues for our military personnel deployed on international missions.

I am in constant contact with the Chief of Defence Staff, General Luciano Portolano, and with the Commander of the Joint Forces Operational Command, Lieutenant General Giovanni Iannucci, to closely monitor the situation as it evolves. I am also in contact with my international counterparts for a shared assessment of events.

The safety of our men and women in uniform is, and will always remain, the top priority."

So says Defence Minister Guido Crosetto. “For a national security strategy”.