The United States Army bases in Italy are a part of our nation’s collaboration with allies in Europe to maintain peace in the region and beyond. Not only does the U.S. operate in Europe and the Mediterranean, but the location is ideal for assistance in the Middle East as well as Africa. However, in 2024, tensions continue to rise due to the war between Israel and Hamas, and an Army base in Italy suffered damage at the hands of protestors as a result.
Where Is the Army Base in Italy?
There isn’t just one Army base in Italy but a few that all help serve the immediate region and beyond.
Collaborations with the Italian government make these installations possible, as Italy retains management of the facilities whenever they like but the U.S. can station troops there for quick, effective deployment.
Caserma Del Din
Named after Italy infantry officer Renato Del Din, who died during WWII, Caserma Del Din is found around Vicenza in Northern Italy.
The installation is home to the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team and assists US Army Africa.
This is one of the main military bases in Italy that the Army utilizes.
Caserma Ederle
Caserma Ederle is also found near Vicenza and acts as the U.S. Army Garrison (USAG) Italy headquarters for troops in Italy, US Army Africa, and the US 173rd Airborne Brigade.
Darby Military Community
Previously known as Camp Darby, you’ll find this US Army base in Italy between Pisa and Livorno.
The origins of the base are pretty interesting as it was built to be a secret installation in the middle of the Tuscan woods.
Thousands of acres were used in 1951 to construct the base after an agreement between American and Italian authorities.
The base gets its name from the founder of the US 1st Ranger Battalion, William O. Darby, who died fighting in Italy during WWII.
Protesters Attack Caserma Del Din, an Army Base in Italy
Protesters damaged the fence at an Army base in Italy. Caserma Del Din suffered damage after an unauthorized demonstration broke out.
Demonstrators wore black jumpsuits, and white hats. They carried flares, and Palestinian flags, with the protest lasting only a few minutes before Italian police arrived.
The protest involved cutting the fence’s razor wire and toppling a section of it.
No injuries or unauthorized access to the base occurred, and the fence was repaired the same day.
U.S. troops and bases abroad continue to see attacks, including two Marines who were assaulted in Turkey along with many ongoing assaults throughout the Middle East.
Since October 2023, American troops in the Middle East have been targeted by Iranian-backed militias, resulting in the deaths of three U.S. Reservists in Jordan.
The U.S. Navy continues to fight back against missiles and drones from Houthi rebels who have turned the Red Sea into a very unstable passage.
These escalations follow U.S. support for Israel, despite opposition from some members of Congress and advocacy groups.
Following these attacks, American authorities are warning that they will defend U.S. forces and allies against future attacks.
Local police have increased patrols around Caserma Del Din. Officials do not consider the protest affecting the Army base in Italy an active threat.
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