Italy blocks the US use of the Sigonella base without prior authorization, invoking respect for treaties.
Key Facts
- Rome denies landing to US aircraft without prior authorization.
- The government invokes respect for treaties and parliamentary oversight.
- Political reactions agree on the correctness of the decision.
The Sigonella Case
Italy denied the United States access to the Sigonella base after confirming that some US bombers had planned to land without prior authorization.
According to the Italian daily Corriere della Sera, the events allegedly took place a few evenings ago, but the news was reportedly kept confidential.
Corriere della Sera, citing informed sources, states that Chief of Defense Staff Luciano Portolano was informed that “the flight plan of some US bombers includes landing at Sigonella before heading to the Middle East,” but “no one requested any authorization nor consulted the Italian military leadership.”
The plan was reportedly communicated “while the aircraft were already in flight,” and checks confirmed that “these are not normal or logistical flights and therefore are not covered by the treaty with our country.”
Acting on a mandate from Defense Minister Guido Crosetto, a ban was therefore imposed.
As reported by Adnkronos, the aircraft “cannot land at Sigonella because they were not authorized and there was no prior consultation.”
What is Sigonella?
The Sigonella base, located in Sicily, is one of the main military installations jointly used by Italy and the United States in the Mediterranean.
Formally, it is an Italian Air Force base, but it also hosts US forces, particularly the US Navy, and is considered a strategic hub for operations in the Middle East, North Africa, and the wider Mediterranean.
The use of the base by the United States is regulated by bilateral agreements that establish specific conditions, including the requirement for authorization for non-routine operations or those not falling within standard logistical activities.
The most well-known precedent related to Sigonella dates back to 1985, during the Craxi government, when Italy opposed a US request, leading to a diplomatic crisis with Washington.
‘A Necessary Act’
Political reactions have largely confirmed the correctness of the decision, albeit with different emphases.
According to Adnkronos, Carlo Calenda, senator of Azione, described the refusal as “a correct decision,” stating: “There is no reason to adopt a submissive approach. It is right and proper that the use of bases is not granted outside the framework of agreements.”
Angelo Bonelli, MP for the Greens and Left Alliance, described it as “a necessary act,” while adding a broader criticism: “we cannot hide behind hypocrisy. From Sigonella, the Triton surveillance drone regularly departs and then goes on to carry out strikes.”
Bonelli also stated: “Italy continues to provide logistical support to military operations in this war that are devastating and destabilizing the planet.”
(PC, Corriere della Sera)
However, as many have pointed out: if the war was a sure bet – where each allied country had something to gain – they would have already joined the illegal, immoral slaughter. It is very telling that, ” the Usual Suspects ” are sitting this one out.
Almost like this was part of the script: to force a NEW New World Order…