Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait Attacked by Drone, Italian Military Assets Destroyed

ESCALATION of the Middle East conflict has widened further to target an air base housing Western coalition forces. The Italian military reported that Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait, which serves as headquarters for Italian and United States (US) forces, came under attack by unmanned aircraft (drone) on Sunday 15 March local time.

Italy’s Defence Chief of Staff, General Luciano Portolano, confirmed that the attack destroyed one Italian drone unit that was housed in a hangar.

“The aircraft that was attacked represents a critically important asset for our air operations in the region. Although there has been a reduction in personnel as a precautionary measure over the past several days, the remaining team at the base continues to carry out essential duties,” Portolano said in an official statement.

The attack marks a new chapter in regional tension that erupted on 28 February following a major US and Israeli military operation against Iran that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In retaliation, Tehran launched waves of attacks on various locations in Jordan, Iraq and Gulf states under the pretext of targeting Western military assets.

Security in Kuwait, which has been relatively stable, is now a serious concern for the international coalition amid Iran’s efforts to conduct retaliatory strikes against countries believed to be facilitating Western military strength in the region.