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Return of Italian Soldiers' Remains to Italy After Incident in Bosnia

The bodies of the four soldiers who died in Bosnia return to Italy, with solemn funerals in Rome.

3 November 2026Tagblick Newsdesk

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Archive photo: Return of Italian Soldiers' Remains to Italy After Incident in Bosnia — Archive photoPhoto: Mongolo1984 · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0

Today in Rome, solemn funerals were held for the four Italian soldiers who died in a helicopter incident in Bosnia while on a mission as part of Operation Eufor Althea. Sergeants Simone Ruggia and Claudio Marchesi, along with Lieutenant Franco Adriano Zecchillo and Sergeant Laura Procacci of the Military Corps of the Red Cross, lost their lives last Thursday in a Chinook helicopter crash.

The bodies of the four soldiers were repatriated, and the military aircraft landed at Ciampino Airport shortly after noon. President Sergio Mattarella, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and other high-ranking state officials were present upon the arrival of the caskets.

During the ceremony, the caskets were draped in the Italian flag and received by an honor guard. Defense Minister Guido Crosetto stated that the soldiers represent 'the best of Italy' and announced that Bosnia will dedicate a monument in their honor.

Monsignor Gian Franco Saba, during his homily, referred to the four soldiers as 'sowers of the seed of peace,' emphasizing their commitment to promoting humanitarian aid. He urged the attendees to view their mission as a sign of hope for vulnerable populations.

Other members of the Italian government and political representatives were also present at the event, including the Presidents of the Senate and the Chamber. Many, including the victims' families, expressed their condolences for the loss.

An autopsy has been ordered for one of the deceased to confirm the causes of the tragedy, which is currently attributed to a malfunction.

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