Italian Colonial Troops Infantry squadItaly, seeking to secure its place amongst the powers of Europe, began colonization of a number of African countries in the late 19th century, amongst these being Eritrea. Eritrean Ascari battalions became a permanent fixture of Italian East African colonization, supplied with Italian weapons and equipment. Serving with distinction in WWII, ascari were crucial in the North African campaign. They were well regarded and fierce fighters who served until