Late this afternoon, at the Unifil base in Shama in southern Lebanon, home of the Italian-led Western Sector Command, some debris fell, probably caused by rockets intercepted in the air by Israeli anti-missile systems. According to initial information, no one was injured. Only one Italian soldier, immediately rescued and assisted by the base’s medical staff, complains of pain in one eye despite having no injuries. His condition does not cause concern. The Minister of Defense, Guido Crosetto, is in contact with the Chief of Defense Staff, with the Joint Forces Operational Command and with the commander of the Italian Unifil contingent to receive continuous updates on the conditions of military personnel and the ongoing situation.
Canada-France-Germany-Italy-GB: avoid massive ground offensive in Lebanon
«We are deeply concerned by the escalation of violence in Lebanon and call for a concrete commitment from Israeli and Lebanese representatives to negotiate a sustainable political solution. We strongly support initiatives to facilitate talks and urge immediate de-escalation.” This is what we read in a joint note from the leaders of Canada, France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom published on the Canadian prime minister’s website. The note condemns Hezbollah’s attacks against Israel and underlines at the same time how “a major Israeli ground offensive” in Lebanon “would have devastating humanitarian consequences and could lead to a prolonged conflict. This must be avoided”.
Meloni: intervening in Hormuz would be a step towards involvement
«What we can do now is strengthen the Aspides mission, so let’s talk about the Red Sea. On the Strait of Hormuz, it is clearly more challenging, because it would mean taking a step forward towards involvement. On the one hand, freedom of navigation is fundamental for us, which is still the subject of a statement made today with our partners. Intervening objectively means taking a step forward in involvement.” Thus the Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, guest of Quarta Repubblica, broadcast this evening on Rete4.
Drone over hotel in Baghdad with Italian soldiers, no one involved
Late in the evening a drone hit a hotel in Baghdad where Italian staff were also staying, who are currently safe and were not involved in the explosion. The Minister of Defense, Guido Crosetto, immediately contacted the Chief of Defense Staff and the Commander of the Joint Forces Summit Operational Command, to obtain updates on the conditions of the personnel, who are currently sheltered in the bunkers.
Tehran: if the US sends ground troops it will be another Vietnam
The Iranian deputy foreign minister, meanwhile, has issued a harsh warning to Donald Trump’s United States, stating that the Americans will face another Vietnam if they send ground troops to the conflict in the Middle East. “A ground intervention would be completely illegal but we are still ready to defend ourselves,” added Saeed Khatibzadeh in an interview in Tehran with the Sky News correspondent. The deputy minister stressed that Iran is willing to fight as long as necessary and that the country is not currently focused on a diplomatic solution.
Emirates: fire after drone raid on an important oil field
A drone attack on Monday caused a fire at a major oil field in the United Arab Emirates, authorities said, as Iran continues its drone and missile attacks in the Gulf. Authorities in the emirate of Abu Dhabi said they were still fighting the fire at the Shah oil field, with no injuries reported. The Shah oil field, located 230 kilometers south of the city of Abu Dhabi, has a production capacity of around 70,000 barrels of crude oil per day, according to the Emirati state company Adnoc.