US considers expanding troop presence at Sicily's Sigonella base

The United States is considering increasing its military presence at bases in Sicily, particularly at the strategic Sigonella Naval Air Station, as Washington sharpens its focus on security challenges in the Middle East and Africa, Italian newspaper La Repubblica writes, citing sources familiar with the matter.

The potential deployment increase is part of a broader review of the U.S. military footprint across Europe. The reassessment could also lead to a strengthened American troop presence in Poland, reflecting shifting strategic priorities within the NATO alliance.

The reported plans come amid growing debate over burden-sharing among NATO members. On Wednesday, U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth criticised European allies for what he described as insufficient defence spending during a meeting of NATO defence ministers in Brussels.

Hegseth also announced that Washington is conducting a comprehensive review of the future positioning of U.S. forces in Europe, signalling that adjustments to troop deployments could follow.

By Sabina Mammadli