Protestors Damage Fence at US Military Base in Italy Amid Rising Local Discontent.
At a Glance
- Dozens of protestors broke a fence at Caserma Del Din, a U.S. military base in Vicenza.
- The unscheduled protest was swiftly dispersed by Italian police.
- No injuries or unauthorized access occurred during the incident.
- Local police are investigating but do not see the incident as a significant threat.
- The action points to broader discontent regarding U.S. military presence in Italy.
Immediate Incident at Caserma Del Din
Dozens of protestors carrying flares and Palestinian flags damaged a fence at the Caserma Del Din, a U.S. military base in Vicenza, Italy. The protest was unscheduled and unauthorized, lasting only a few minutes before being dispersed by Italian police. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Javan W. Rasnake confirmed the protest and the damage to the base’s fence but assured that no personnel were injured, and there was no unauthorized access. This incident is under investigation by local authorities, who have increased patrols around the base.
Local discontent with the U.S. military presence has been simmering for some time. Caserma Del Din houses the Southern European Task Force Africa headquarters and several battalions, making it a strategic location for U.S. military operations. Despite the authorities’ assurances, the protest reflects deeper underlying tensions and a growing resentment among local residents towards the U.S. military footprint in their community.
Protestors damage fence at US military base in Italy https://t.co/x3rxkPtcSW
— Task & Purpose (@TaskandPurpose) September 10, 2024
Broader Context of Military Base Protests
This latest incident is part of a broader trend where U.S. troops and bases abroad are becoming targets of local dissent. Recently, two Marines were assaulted in Turkey, and American troops in the Middle East have faced numerous attacks from Iranian-backed militias. Pentagon officials have linked this escalation to U.S. support for Israel amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza. U.S. officials have warned Iranian-backed militias that they are prepared to defend U.S. troops and Israel against future attacks.
The No MUOS Movement and Wider Italian Discontent
The recent incident isn’t isolated but is connected to wider protests like the No MUOS movement in Sicily opposing the construction of a U.S. Navy satellite communications system called MUOS. The system includes five satellites and four ground stations, one of which is in Niscemi, Sicily. Activists concerned about environmental damage, health risks from electromagnetic waves, and a lack of local consultation have been protesting since 2012. Efforts to halt the construction have included cutting fences and blocking roads.
Fabio D’Alessandro, a local journalist and law school graduate, is an active member of the No MUOS movement. He and others criticize what they see as the U.S. turning Italy into a militarized zone, resulting in environmental degradation and a potential target in future conflicts. Communicating these concerns to U.S. government officials has proven challenging, further fueling local resentment and protests. The movement remains connected with global anti-base and environmental groups.
