During April 1941, Rashid Ali led a pro-Axis coup in Iraq. In response, British Army units began moving into the area to quell the rebellion, many of which made landfall near Basra. Germany and Italy dispatched support to Ali's forces in the form of Messerschmitt Bf 110s, Savoia-Marchetti SM.79s and CR.42s, which were quickly put into action against the British. The "Regia Aeronautica" sent 155a "Squadriglia" (named "Squadriglia speciale Irak") equipped with the improved "CR.42 Egeo" version, which was furnished with a radio set and a 100-litre auxiliary tank, the latter of which increased the fighter's operational range (typically 800 km at 380 km/h) up to 1,100 km at economical speed. In Iraq, the "Regia Aeronautica" was only operational for four days (28–31 May 1941), during which their aircraft were reportedly painted in Iraqi colours.