Italy has refused to grant permission to US military aircraft to land at Sigonella air base in Sicily before continuing their flight to the Middle East, a source close to the matter reported.
According to the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, several American bombers were scheduled to land at the base located east of Sicily before departing for the Middle East. It was not known when the landing was expected to take place.
The newspaper points out that authorization was not granted because the US had not submitted a formal request and the Italian military leadership had not been consulted, as required by treaties governing the use of US military installations on Italian territory.
Meanwhile, the Italian Ministry of Defense did not immediately comment on the matter.
In Italy, center-left opposition parties have urged the government to block the use of military bases by the US, in order to prevent the country from being drawn into the conflict.
On the other hand, the right-wing government of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has stated that it will seek authorization from parliament if such requests are made.
