Rome, Italy. Corriere della Sera reported that some U.S. bombers were due to land at a base in eastern Sicily before heading to the Middle East, but did not receive permission. The report did not specify when the aircraft were due to land.
Report details and authorisation
A source described as not authorised to speak to media and who declined to be identified did not specify how many aircraft were involved or when Rome declined to give permission. Corriere della Sera reported that permission was not granted because the United States had not sought authorisation and Italy’s military leadership was not consulted, as required under treaties governing the use of U.S. military installations in Italy.
Government and opposition reactions
The Italian defence ministry had no immediate comment. Centre-left opposition parties urged the government to block U.S. use of bases in Italy to avoid involvement in the conflict. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s right-wing government said it would seek parliamentary authorisation should any such requests be made.
What steps do you think Italy should take when requests are made to use U.S. military installations in the country?
