Italy has reportedly refused permission for US military aircraft to land at a Sicilian air base en route to the Middle East, according to a source familiar with the matter.
The move appears to confirm a report by the Italian daily Corriere della Sera, which said that “some US bombers” were expected to use the base before continuing towards the region.
Details on the number of aircraft involved and the timing of the reported refusal remain unclear. The source, who was not authorised to speak publicly, did not provide further information.
According to the newspaper, the decision may have been linked to procedural concerns, with US authorities reportedly failing to seek prior authorisation or consult Italy’s military leadership, as required under agreements governing American military facilities in the country.
Italy’s defence ministry has not yet commented on the reports.
Meanwhile, opposition parties have called on the government to tighten oversight on the use of US bases in Italy, arguing that the country should avoid deeper involvement in ongoing regional tensions.