Italy denied permission for U.S. military aircraft to land at a base in Sicily while en route to the Middle East, according to the country’s daily Corriere della Sera, which first reported the news. On Tuesday, a source told Reuters that several U.S. bombers headed to the Middle East had planned to land at the eastern Sicilian base.
However, it is unclear exactly when this landing was intended to take place.
The report stated that the United States did not seek formal approval from Italy nor coordinate with the country’s military leadership. Under existing agreements, such consultation and authorization are mandatory for the use of U.S. bases in Italy. This lack of compliance is believed to be the reason the landing was denied.
Italy’s Defense Ministry did not immediately comment on the matter, Reuters reported.
Meanwhile, center-left opposition parties in Italy have urged the government to prevent the country from becoming involved in the conflict and to restrict the use of U.S. bases within Italian territory.
The government, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, said that any future requests of this nature would require parliamentary approval before a decision is made.
Italy denies US military aircraft permission to use base
