Italy Withdraws Troops After Iraq Base Attack

0:00On March 13, Italy is pulling its troops out of Iraq after a drone strike hit their base in Erbil, in Iraqi Kurdistan. The attack targeted Kamp Singhara, where around 300 Italian and NATO soldiers trained local forces against ISIS. A restaurant and two vehicles were damaged, but no one got hurt thanks to early warnings. Officials say the strike was deliberate on a NATO site as part of the U.S.-led coalition. These defense minister confirmed it was no accident, and about 141 soldiers from the base are heading home, joining over one. Hundred already withdrawn earlier. The four minister points to pro-Aranian militias in Iraq as likely behind it. Italian leaders express relief that everyone stayed safe, with the base commander noting troops sheltered in bunkers ahead of time. Prime Minister Georgia Maloney offered solidarity to the soldiers, and stressed Italy won't join any war with Iran. She criticized some U.S. and Israeli actions as outside international law.

1:00Meanwhile, tensions are rising as Iran blocks the strait of Hormuz, a key route for 20% of global oil. Prices have spiked worldwide, with threats of oil hitting $200 a barrel if conflicts continue. Italy and France are negotiating safe passage for their ships through the strait. As Italy repositions its forces and bolsters defenses elsewhere, like sending a warship to Cyprus, the region braces for more fallout from these, escalating attacks on coalition bases and trade routes.