Italy denies US request to use Sicily air base, report says

Italy has refused to allow US military aircraft to land at the Sigonella air base in Sicily ahead of a planned redeployment to the Middle East, a source familiar with the matter said.

The daily Corriere della Sera reported that several US bombers had been expected to land at the base in eastern Sicily before continuing to the Middle East, though it did not specify the timing. The source also did not confirm how many aircraft were involved or exactly when Rome denied permission.

According to the newspaper, approval was withheld because the United States had not submitted a formal request or consulted Italy’s military leadership, as required under agreements governing the use of US bases in the country.

Italy’s defence ministry did not immediately comment.

Opposition parties have urged the government to block the use of Italian bases for US operations in order to avoid being drawn into the conflict.

The government of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has said it would seek parliamentary approval should such a request be formally submitted.

(reuters, bak)