US military base in lockdown with people ‘taking shelter’

A military base used by the US Navy in the Mediterranean is on lockdown due to an ‘ongoing situation’ this morning.

Personnel at the Italian naval air station Sigonella, near Sicily’s Mount Etna, have been told to ‘take shelter’.

NAS Sigonella said: ‘Due to an ongoing situation at the NAS Sigonella entry control point, a lockdown/shelter-in-place remains in effect.

‘All personnel onboard NAS 2 are directed to follow the instructions from Naval Security Forces and monitor for updates. Inbound and outbound traffic at the NAS 2 base entry control points is secured.

‘Traffic has been redirected to the East ITAF Gate. Personnel should avoid traveling on highway SP105 between Marinai Housing Complex and NAS 2.’

An update later warned that personnel should avoid traveling on the nearby highway, SP105 ,between Marinai Housing Complex and NAS 2.

It is not yet clear what has happened at the entrance of the military base checkpoint.

An alarm was raised at around 8am, prompting the emergency measures.

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