Italian Fascist-Era Cisterns Become Global Hub for Special Forces Tunnel Training

Italy's Fornovo Taro region has become an unlikely training ground for special forces units from around the world. Deep beneath the woodland lies a network of five massive cisterns, constructed in the 1930s during Benito Mussolini’s fascist regime to store aviation fuel and withstand enemy bombings. These underground structures now serve as a unique facility known as La Carona, where special forces units from at least 17 countries, including Israel, the United States, and several European nations, conduct subterranean combat training.

The site's significance has grown in recent years due to conflicts such as those in Gaza and Ukraine, which highlighted the challenges of fighting in tunnels. The cylindrical tanks, each measuring approximately 20 meters in diameter and seven meters high, are connected by a network of tunnels that once carried fuel but now simulate real-world tunnel warfare conditions. These include darkness, limited radio communication, and no GPS signals, providing an authentic experience for trainees.

La Carona's managers emphasize the importance of learning how to map underground spaces effectively during training exercises. The facility also incorporates advanced features like sound systems capable of generating realistic explosions and smoke machines to enhance realism. Additionally, robots, drones, and even real dogs are used to simulate various combat scenarios within the tunnels. This comprehensive approach prepares special forces for the unpredictable nature of urban warfare in subterranean environments.

The resurgence of interest in La Carona underscores a broader trend in military training: adapting to modern conflict zones where underground infrastructure plays a critical role. As more than half of the world's population now resides in urban areas, understanding and mastering combat techniques in confined, complex spaces has become increasingly vital for special forces units worldwide.