Italy Prepares Its Navy to Protect Its Commercial Ships Amid Tension in the Bab al-Mandab Strait
Agencies2 min read
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Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto said on Thursday that Rome is preparing for a possible naval mission to protect its commercial fleet amid growing security concerns in the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
Crosetto added that he had agreed with the Chief of Defense Staff to mobilize naval forces to prepare to take "whatever is necessary" to ensure the safe passage of Italian ships, noting that delays in responding to increasing maritime risks could have direct consequences on the economy and consumers.
Concerns about maritime navigation in the Red Sea have increased this month after the Houthi group took control of parts of the Yemeni coast overlooking the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
Crosetto said in a statement "I have decided... to task the Italian Navy with preparing to take whatever is necessary to ensure the safe passage of Italian ships"
He added "We cannot allow bureaucratic delays in decision-making to exacerbate an already complex situation, with direct consequences for our economy and the lives of our citizens"
Crosetto did not specify the measures being considered or the naval assets that might be sent to the region.
Crosetto said that disrupting major shipping routes would lead to higher transportation costs and delayed deliveries, ultimately leading to higher prices for families and businesses.
He added "Every economic crisis hits the most vulnerable groups the hardest, endangering social cohesion and the stability of the country"
The defense minister also highlighted the vulnerability of undersea infrastructure, including data cables and power transmission lines.
He said "For a major maritime nation like Italy, monitoring and protecting the seas, both above and below the water, means protecting its security, prosperity, and future"
He added "The Italian Ministry of Defense and Navy will continue to protect the sea, and intervene decisively whenever necessary to protect national interests and the security of Italians"
