Protest in Augusta blocks arms shipment to Sigonella

Activists attempted to block a Portuguese merchant vessel, the Sunaid X, from entering the port of Augusta, Sicily. The ship was transporting weaponry from Livorno destined for the Sigonella military base.

Two sailing vessels—one flying a Polish flag and the other a French flag—obstructed the cargo ship's path, prompting an intervention by the Guardia di Finanza. Following reports from the port authority, patrol boats from Siracusa and Catania, along with a third naval unit, were deployed to coordinate the passage. The operation successfully escorted the merchant vessel into the port.

Ten individuals on the sailing boats have been reported to authorities for the interruption of a public service or necessity. The group included five Italian citizens and five foreign nationals from Ireland, Greece, Switzerland, France, and the United States. The skippers also face charges regarding violations of public safety laws and Augusta port regulations.