Drone Attack on Makhmour Base Wounds French Soldiers; Italy Plans Evacuation

A drone attack targeted a military base in Makhmour, near Erbil in the Kurdistan region of Iraq, on March 12, 2026, leaving at least six French soldiers wounded. The French army confirmed the injuries following the strike on the facility located in northern Iraq. The Governor of Erbil also verified the incident, stating that the explosive drone hit the base during a period of increased regional instability. Initial reports from military officials focused on the medical status of the personnel on-site as emergency protocols were activated. The base serves as a key installation for international forces operating in the area.

Conflicting reports emerged regarding the severity of the casualties, with the Portuguese broadcaster RTP reporting that one French soldier died in addition to the six who were wounded. While the French military initially confirmed only the injuries, the situation at the Makhmour base remained fluid as damage assessments continued. The attack occurred amid what local reports described as a sky filled with drones over the regional capital. Security in the Kurdistan region has been under significant pressure due to external threats. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the specific drone launch against the international contingent.

In the aftermath of the strike, Italy announced it is preparing to evacuate its military personnel from the base near Erbil. The Italian government's decision to withdraw troops follows the direct threat posed by the March 12 attack on the coalition-shared facility. Reports from Corriere della Sera and other European outlets indicated that the Italian contingent is facing a choice between staying to defend the position or completing a full withdrawal from the Middle Eastern theater. The move marks a significant shift in the European military presence within the Erbil governorate. Local officials have reportedly urged the Italian forces to remain to assist in regional defense. „Italians, stay and defend us” (Italians, stay and defend us) — Local appeal via Corriere della Sera

The incident takes place against a backdrop of heightened geopolitical friction, with some media outlets framing the escalation as a broader conflict involving Iran. Erbil has increasingly become a focal point for drone-related hostilities, impacting both military installations and diplomatic missions. The Makhmour base has historically been a strategic point in the fight against extremist groups in northern Iraq. Erbil, the capital of the Erbil Governorate, has frequently been targeted by rocket and drone fire over the last several years, often attributed to regional militias. International coalition forces have maintained a presence there to provide training and support to local Kurdish forces. Previous attacks in 2024 and 2025 also resulted in casualties among Western personnel stationed in the region. Erbil Base Attack and Response: — ; — ; —