Italy denied U.S. military aircraft permission to land at the Sigonella air base in Sicily en route to the Middle East. Sources confirmed the denial stemmed from Washington not seeking prior authorisation from the Italian government.
The defence ministry stated the U.S. failed to request authorisation in time for parliamentary approval, as required by international treaty. Some U.S. bombers were reportedly intended to land at Sigonella, one of seven U.S. navy bases in Italy, before continuing to the Middle East.
Reports indicate the U.S. sought permission while the aircraft were already traveling towards Sicily, leading to the denial of base access. Local media confirmed the lack of prior Italian authorisation.