Security incident forces lockdown at U.S. air base in Italy
- Personnel at U.S. Naval Air Station Sigonella were instructed to shelter in place due to reports of a possible security threat.
- The lockdown lasted until the threat was deemed non-existent after investigations by Italian police and bomb squad members.
- The incident underscores the importance of security protocols at military bases, especially given the geopolitical tensions in the region.
On Wednesday, February 26, 2025, U.S. Naval Air Station Sigonella, located in Sicily, Italy, experienced a lockdown lasting several hours following reports of a possible security threat, specifically a car bomb targeting the facility. Personnel were instructed to shelter in place as security forces assessed the situation. Eventually, it was determined that there was no credible threat, and the lockdown was lifted around 11:25 a.m. local time. Thankfully, there were no reported injuries related to the incident. This event led to extensive lockdown protocols as U.S. and Italian authorities collaborated to ensure the safety of military personnel stationed at the key logistics hub for NATO operations in Europe. The prompt response by Navy Security Force personnel has been praised, highlighting the importance of safety at such a critical base for American and allied operations in the Mediterranean region. The situation underscored the ongoing security challenges faced by military installations in the area due to the heightened tensions stemming from geopolitical factors. NAS Sigonella serves not only as a base for operations but is also integral in command and control functions for U.S. and NATO forces and hosts advanced aircraft deployed in monitoring threats in Europe, Africa, and Asia.