Italy yesterday pledged 2,700 soldiers, plus significant logistical support, for the US-led war in Afghanistan.
Defence Minister, Mr Antonio Martino, gave details of the Italian military contingent during a parliamentary debate which saw the House of Deputies approve military deployment by an overwhelming majority, 513 in favour and 35 against.
Warning that the war against terrorism will not be "brief, painless or limited", Mr Martino underlined Italy's commitment to a conflict which "opposed civilisation to barbarism" and from which Italy "cannot and does not want to absent itself". Stating that the purpose of the Afghan conflict was to destroy Osama Bin Laden's alQaeda network and oust the Taliban regime, Mr Martino also added however: "The neutralisation of all terrorist networks that threaten the West and the possible extension of the theatre of operations is something to be studied and evaluated." The Minister's announcement meant that Italy became the fourth European country, after Britain, France and Germany, to offer the US concrete military support. Prime Minister, Mr Silvio Berlusconi, who called for a vote of "national unity" yesterday, has been unequivocal in his support for the US government.
Heading the Italian contingent will be the aircraft carrier Garibaldi which boosts a force of 850 men plus eight Harrier jets and four attack helicopters. Completing the 1,400 strong Italian naval force, expected to be based in the northern Persian Gulf, are two naval frigates, carrying three AB212 helicopters, and one supply ship. Mr Martino said he expected the naval unit to provide air cover for ships in the Gulf as well as search and rescue missions in the war zone.
The Italian contingent will also include 300 air force personnel, eight Tornado reconnaissance jets, a transport plane suitable for use by paratroopers and a Boeing 707 fuel supply plane. The ground force will be 1,000 strong, including 150 paratroopers as well as four Mangusta helicopters, six teams of anti-explosives experts and a squad specialised in nuclear, chemical and biological warfare.