Never Before Seen Carabinieri Losses Since Nasiriyah, Says Commander

Verona: The Carabinieri have suffered unprecedented losses, with three officers killed in a blast trap during an eviction near Verona. This tragic event marks the most significant loss of life for the Carabinieri since the 2003 Nasiriyah bombing in Iraq, where 18 Italian service members, mostly Carabinieri, an Italian civilian, and nine Iraqi civilians were killed, the commander announced on Tuesday.

According to Ansa News Agency, the General Commander of the Carabinieri, Salvatore Luongo, was present in Verona to visit those injured in the explosion at the house in Castel d’Azzano. He remarked, “We haven’t had so many losses since the Pilastro massacre and Nasiriyah.” The Pilastro massacre took place in January 1991 in Bologna when rogue officers killed three Carabinieri.

Luongo reported that there are three dead and approximately 13 injured, acknowledging the heavy toll this incident takes on the organization. However, he emphasized the Carabinieri’s resilience, stating they are “accustomed to always looking ahead and carrying out our service in the same way.” He described the event as “a tragedy that has affected the Force and the country.”

The General Commander further highlighted the importance of considering the families of the fallen officers, who are enduring the pain of this loss. The incident has cast a shadow over the organization and the nation, underscoring the risks faced by those serving in the line of duty.