An Italian CH-47 helicopter , deployed as part of Operation Eufor-Althea, crashed in Bosnia-Herzegovina for reasons still under investigation. Four Italian soldiers were killed and twelve injured.

No members of the Sassari Brigade were involved in the incident in question. A contingent of approximately 150 soldiers, based on the 151st "Sassari" Infantry Regiment, is currently deployed in Bosnia and Herzegovina as part of the European Union's EUFOR Althea mission.

The soldiers of the Sassari Brigade left in June and will conclude their mission with their return to Italy, scheduled for January.

Immediately after the first news reports on the tragedy, EUFOR confirmed: "We confirm that an Italian EUFOR CH-47 Chinook crashed in the accident that occurred today in Brcko (in the northeast). As a result of the crash, several EUFOR personnel tragically lost their lives and others were seriously injured."

In a post on social media, Giorgia Meloni expressed her "deep sorrow" over the incident : "The news of the tragic accident involving an Italian EUFOR helicopter in Bosnia-Herzegovina is a cause for profound sorrow. My thoughts go out to the victims, their families, and all those engaged in the mission for peace and stability in the region who are experiencing hours of anguish. My deepest sympathy and that of the Italian government go out to them," the Prime Minister commented.

Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani also expressed his "deep sorrow." "I stand with our armed forces for the tragedy that occurred in Bosnia. My thoughts are with the families of the victims. A terrible tragedy that shakes the hearts of all Italians," Tajani added.

(Unioneonline)

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