In February 2005, Italian journalist Giuliana Sgrena was kidnapped while on assignment in Iraq. The US-led coalition force had invaded the country just over a year earlier, resulting in the collapse of the Saddam Hussein regime.
Following her release after more than a month, Sgrena returned home to Italy but tensions remained high between the two countries. In March 2005, Italian military intelligence agents Nicola Calipari and Andrea Carpani were sent to escort hostages back home from Iraq.
On March 4th, while en route to Baghdad International Airport, the car carrying Sgrena was fired upon by US soldiers at a checkpoint. Calipari shielded Sgrena and was killed in the incident, with both Sgrena and Carpani sustaining injuries.
The shooting led to increased tensions between the US and Italy, with Berlusconi summoning the US ambassador and calling for a comprehensive investigation into the incident. The US military claimed that the shooting was an accidental mistake made by soldiers following their rules of engagement. However, Italian investigators accused US officials of not providing full information about the incident and criticized them for handling it improperly.
Italian media outlets broadcasted recordings from Sgrena’s kidnappers accusing the CIA of targeting her specifically. Despite this accusation, Calipari was hailed as a hero in Italy and received a state funeral along with posthumous award for bravery.
