Drone attack on base in Machmur: Six French soldiers wounded, Italy on alert

At least six French soldiers were wounded in a drone attack on a military base in Iraq's Machmur, which occurred on Thursday, March 12, 2026. The information about the incident and the number of casualties was confirmed by the governor of Erbil, indicating the serious nature of the event in this disputed region. The attack targeted military installations located near a strategic mountain range, where units of the international coalition are stationed. The condition of the wounded soldiers was not detailed in official statements, but the base's medical services undertook immediate rescue actions directly after the threat subsided.

Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto unequivocally assessed the incident as a planned action targeting foreign personnel present in Iraq. Currently, 141 Italian soldiers are stationed at the base in Erbil, who, according to assurances from the ministry, were not injured in this specific strike. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stated she is monitoring the situation's development in real-time, remaining in contact with the operational command. In response to the increased threat, authorities in Rome decided to immediately reduce civilian personnel at their embassy in Iraq, simultaneously activating previously prepared security procedures. „A Erbil un attacco deliberato. A Erbil stazionano 141 militari, il cui piano di evacuazione è già stato predisposto da tempo” (A deliberate attack in Erbil. 141 soldiers are stationed in Erbil, whose evacuation plan has been prepared for some time.) — Guido Crosetto via ANSA

The base commander described the dramatic course of events, which began with the activation of early warning systems. Upon hearing the alarm sirens, soldiers stationed at the facility immediately proceeded to prepared shelters and bunkers, which likely prevented a higher number of casualties. Moments later, a strong explosion occurred, after which a fire broke out on the base grounds, extinguished by firefighting units after several dozen minutes. Although plans for the evacuation of the Italian contingent are ready, the command currently maintains the highest level of alert, analyzing the drone's flight trajectory and potential perpetrators of the attack. The Machmur district, located southwest of Erbil, has been the subject of a territorial dispute for years between the central government in Baghdad and the Regional Government of Kurdistan. In October 2023, clashes occurred in the same area between Iraqi ground forces and Kurdish Peshmerga over control of observation posts. Italian foreign missions in Iraq have repeatedly been targets of attacks, the most tragic of which remains the bombing in Nasiriyah in 2003, where 19 Italians were killed. 141 (soldiers) — number of Italian military personnel stationed in Erbil Timeline of the Machmur incident: March 12, afternoon — Base alarm; March 12, evening — Drone attack; March 12, 17:53 — Italy's reaction; March 12, 21:48 — Casualty confirmation