Aletho News

ΑΛΗΘΩΣ

Italy to move military personnel from Taif base after missile strike

Al Mayadeen | September 22, 2026

The Italian government has decided to relocate a significant portion of its military personnel from an airbase in Taif, Saudi Arabia, following a missile strike that hit an Italian Eurofighter fighter jet stationed at the facility, the Italian newspaper Messaggero reported on Tuesday, citing sources.

The move concerns personnel from the Italian Task Force Air Arabia, which operates from the Taif airbase. The Italian contingent stationed there is estimated to number around 500 personnel.

The relocation is being described as a “restructuring” of Italy’s military deployment, rather than a complete withdrawal from the base, according to the report.

A significant portion of the Italian military personnel will be moved to a safer facility, which is also likely to be located in Saudi Arabia. The Taif airbase will not be left without operational coverage, with continuity of activities set to be maintained in line with Italy’s international obligations.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Defense Minister Guido Crosetto decided to strengthen security measures for the country’s military personnel after a missile struck an Italian Eurofighter stationed at the base overnight into Friday, Messaggero reported.

Is Italy backtracking on its plans? 

Only a few days ago, Italy was preparing to deploy up to four naval vessels, including frigates, to secure passage for its merchant fleet through the Bab al-Mandab Strait, Italian daily Corriere della Sera reported, citing sources.

Crosetto reportedly told EU foreign affairs and security chief Kaja Kallas in a letter that “the need to adopt effective and timely decisions” was urgent to prevent further disruption to maritime traffic through the strait, which links the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden.

Rome said it is prepared to act independently if other European Union member states do not move to reinforce the bloc’s Aspides maritime mission, though it expects to share the financial burden with fellow EU states if others step up.

The latest escalation was initiated by Saudi Arabia when it bombed Sanaa International Airport, while continuing the years-long siege imposed on Yemen. Sanaa had repeatedly demanded an end to the blockade and the reopening of the airport before launching its current counteroffensive.

Yesterday, Yemen’s national negotiating delegation held Saudi Arabia responsible for refusing to lift the blockade imposed on the country’s airports and ports, the Yemeni SABA news agency reported, citing an informed source.

September 22, 2026 - Posted by | Wars for Israel | , , ,

Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.

« Previous |