Iran conflict: Hungarian troops take shelter as attack hits base in Iraq – VIDEO, UPDATE

Hungarian troops serving at a military facility in Erbil, northern Iraq, were forced to take shelter after an overnight strike hit a base used by Italian forces, according to Hungarian and international reports.

What happened

Italy’s Ministry of Defence said an Italian military base in Erbil was hit overnight. Italian officials initially described the incident as a missile strike, but later assessed it as a drone that destroyed a military vehicle, possibly after losing altitude. No injuries were reported among Italian personnel, who had moved into bunkers after earlier warnings about aerial threats, Reuters reported.

Hungarian outlet Index reported that Hungarian soldiers also serve at the facility and rode out the attack in a shelter.

#BREAKING Footage of the Erbil attack, via @RudawEnglish correspondent, apparently involving rockets. pic.twitter.com/JeahP1tpWT

— Iran International English (@IranIntl_En) March 12, 2022

Hungarian Defence Ministry: no injuries

According to Infostart, the Hungarian Ministry of Defence confirmed that all Hungarian troops are well following the incident.

Who was behind it?

Some early Hungarian reporting linked the incident to Iranian statements about strikes on US-linked targets in the region, including Erbil. However, Italian officials told Reuters that the origin of the strike was not yet known, and experts were still checking and securing the area after the alert ended.

If you missed it: Can Iran reach Hungary or Hungarian-inhabited areas with its missiles and drones?

Wider context: tensions rising across the region

The strike comes amid intensified regional escalation. Anadolu Agency reported that US and Israeli attacks launched on 28 February have killed about 1,300 people, and that Iran has carried out drone and missile retaliation in several countries hosting US military assets.

Background for non-Hungarian readers

Hungary has deployed troops to international missions in Iraq in recent years, typically as part of coalition and training-related tasks. When incidents occur at shared facilities or nearby sites, Hungarian personnel can be affected even if Hungary is not a direct target.

What happens next

Italian officials said the immediate air-raid alert has ended, but the site remains under assessment. For Hungarian readers, the key immediate update is that the Defence Ministry reported no injuries among Hungarian troops. Get more news about Hungarian Defence Forces.

UPDATE – Hungarian troops stationed at Erbil base as Iranian strikes hit US facility

Hungarian soldiers are also deployed at the US base in Erbil, Iraq, which has again come under attack by Iranian forces. Hungary’s presence at the site is not new: as part of the international coalition, Hungarian troops have been operating in the region since 2015, carrying out tasks such as training and support for local partner forces.

According to the mission’s stated role, Hungarian personnel are not deployed for front-line combat. Their work focuses on building partner capabilities, providing advice and assistance, and escorting units in support operations.

Mandate extended until the end of 2026

In November 2025, the Hungarian government extended the Hungarian Defence Forces’ mission in Iraq until 31 December 2026. The government decision described a contingent of up to 20 soldiers, rising to 40 during rotation periods.

The parliamentary decision underpinning the mission cites several justifications, including the fight against terrorism, reducing migration pressure, and fulfilling UN-related commitments. It also states that Hungary remains a committed member of the international coalition against the terrorist organisation known as Islamic State, and aims to prevent human rights abuses linked to the group — including acts described as genocide and other crimes against humanity targeting Christians and other religious minorities in Iraq.

New strike on the base; no Hungarian injuries reported

Iran’s military has again struck the US base operating in Erbil. Hungary’s Ministry of Defence said no Hungarian soldiers were injured in the attack. The ministry added that some US personnel suffered minor injuries.

Iran, for its part, claimed the two attacks caused significant damage.