Story perspectives

Rutte says 500 US jets launch, sparks Italy row.

6/27/2026

Summary

Story summary

Mark Rutte said 500 U.S. aircraft launched from Italian bases for Operation Epic Fury, sparking a row.
Italy’s defence ministry said only logistical flights were authorized.
Defence Minister Guido Crosetto said the flights complied with the constitution and were limited to logistical tasks.
Opposition leaders Giuseppe Conte and Angelo Bonelli demanded clarification, accusing government of misleading lawmakers, while a NATO spokesperson said Rutte was merely citing basing and overflight agreements.

History

Historical Context

Operation Allied Force, NATO’s 1999 air campaign against Yugoslavia, began planning in winter 1998 and launched from European bases. The operation deployed roughly 2,000 personnel with Task Force Hawk, marking NATO’s first large-scale air deployment from the continent and establishing a pattern of reliance on forward basing that informs present debates over European basing.

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Story summary

Mark Rutte said 500 U.S. aircraft launched from Italian bases for Operation Epic Fury, sparking a row.
Italy’s defence ministry said only logistical flights were authorized.
Defence Minister Guido Crosetto said the flights complied with the constitution and were limited to logistical tasks.
Opposition leaders Giuseppe Conte and Angelo Bonelli demanded clarification, accusing government of misleading lawmakers, while a NATO spokesperson said Rutte was merely citing basing and overflight agreements.

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