Italy took a step forward, sent its best warships into the Red Sea and prepared for “defensive fire”.
Just after the meeting of EU foreign ministers last Monday, in which it was agreed to make A European naval mission in the Red Sea Italy has decided to respond to the attacks of the Houthi militia, which are causing so much damage to world trade. Take a step forward and prepare to actively prevent terrorist attacks,
In the absence of details, the intention of the 27 is that European ships escort shipping companies passing through the Bab el Mandeb Strait, the entry point to the Red Sea and the most important location for attacks, and that they also have Permission to shoot down drones and missiles that may be launched at them by the Houthis.
Faced with the reluctance of some countries, including Spain, the Italian government has already begun to specify what this participation in the operation will entail. According to various media reports in the country, the Defense Ministry is evaluating which ships to use off the coast of Yemen. Currently the frigate Martinengo is in the area, although it will soon be assigned Anti-piracy operations in Somali waters.
One of the most advanced ships in the world
The ship chosen is decided between Marseglia and Bergamini. The latter, supposedly one of the most advanced in the world, is the first of the pools to be sent across the strait. It has recently participated in joint exercises between the Americans and Europeans in the Indo-Pacific region, but above all This is the only place from where it is possible to launch ScanEagle Project drones, According to the newspaper Il Giornale, it therefore has a weapon more capable of neutralizing the Houthi threats.
The most important thing about this operation compared to the previous operation is that the ships are allowed to fire. The Italian Foreign Minister, Antonio Tajani, immediately stated that his country was prepared to intervene with all consequences, and would authorize its ships to use live fire against the enemy, although “only in defensive operations.”
“Italy is ready to do its part,” Tajani stressed. The EU is concerned about the consequences of terrorist attacks in the Red Sea and the potential escalation of conflict.
The mission currently deployed does not belong to the EU, but is led by France and includes some participants Belgium, Netherlands, Denmark, Greece, Italy and Norway, with the support of Germany and Portugal. The participants intend to expand the number of members and raise community funding.
The armed response to terrorists based in Yemen is being led by the United States and the United Kingdom, who have once again bombed terrorist settlements.