Qatari Military Plane Damages Milan Airport Infrastructure During Winter Olympics Deployment
A Qatari military cargo plane transporting security personnel to Italy for the upcoming Winter Olympics has caused damage to airport infrastructure upon arrival at Milan's primary international gateway. The incident occurred on Sunday as the aircraft executed what has been described as an incorrect manoeuvre following its touchdown at Malpensa Airport.
Details of the Airport Incident and Security Deployment
The Qatar Air Force's C-17 Globemaster II aircraft, which was carrying 104 members of the Gulf state's elite security forces along with substantial equipment including large jeeps and snowmobiles, made contact with a lighting tower during the pushback phase after landing. According to reports from local media outlet Milano Today, the collision was described as slight but nonetheless resulted in damage to the airport's lighting infrastructure.
This deployment forms part of a bilateral security agreement between the Qatari and Italian governments, established despite Qatar not fielding any athletes in the forthcoming Winter Games. The Qatari personnel, representing the Lekhwiya security force, were greeted upon disembarkation by Qatar's ambassador to Italy alongside various Milanese officials in a formal welcome ceremony.
Controversial Security Arrangements for the Milano-Cortina Games
The arrival of Qatari security forces occurs amidst broader controversy surrounding international security contributions to the Winter Olympics, which commence on 6th February. Particular attention has focused on the involvement of personnel from the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency, whose participation has sparked political debate in Italy.
An Italian interior ministry source emphasised that Qatar's role would be "mainly in a training capacity," stating: "Qatar is a fundamental partner in the security plan and any negative interpretation of the agreement is unfounded." The Italian government is deploying approximately 6,000 personnel from various domestic police units to ensure comprehensive security coverage for the Games.
Political Reactions and Security Convoy Movements
Following the airport arrival, a convoy of SUVs and armoured vehicles bearing "State of Qatar – Lekhwiya" insignia, escorted by Italian patrol vehicles, traversed central Milan. The procession passed significant landmarks including the iconic Duomo cathedral and briefly paused at San Siro stadium, where the Games' opening ceremony will be hosted. The Qatari security contingent is expected to be distributed between Milan and Cortina locations.
Milan's Mayor Giuseppe Sala has publicly stated that ICE agents "would not be welcome in the city because they don't guarantee they're aligned with our democratic security management methods." This position was reinforced during a municipal debate where leftwing councillors displayed "No ICE" placards.
Broader Olympic Context and Qatari Sporting Ambitions
Despite having no competing athletes at the Winter Olympics, Qatar maintains significant involvement through Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, recently elected president of the Olympic Council of Asia and head of the Qatar Olympic Committee, who is scheduled to attend the Games. This participation aligns with Qatar's expanding influence in international sporting events, building toward hosting the Asian Games in 2030 and pursuing a bid for the 2036 Summer Olympics.
Political tensions continue to surface, with various leftwing parties and unions planning an anti-ICE protest in Milan this Saturday. The Italian interior ministry has clarified that only ICE's investigative unit will participate in Games security, not its immigration enforcement operations.
The Italian government, ideologically aligned with the Trump administration in the United States, has indicated that ICE agents will reportedly serve as protective details for expected high-profile American attendees including Vice-President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
