Italy Prepares for Naval Mission to Protect Its Ships in Bab al-Mandab
Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto said on Thursday that his country is preparing for a potential naval mission to ensure the security of its commercial ships in the Bab al-Mandab Strait, amid rising concerns about navigation safety in the region.
Crosetto added in a statement that Italy has activated its naval forces to prepare and take necessary measures "to ensure the safe passage of Italian ships," stressing that his country cannot allow delays in decisions given the potential repercussions on the economy and citizens' lives.
The minister did not specify the nature of the measures Rome is considering or the naval assets that might be deployed to the region.
Crosetto said that any disruption to major shipping routes would increase transport costs and delay the arrival of goods, which could ultimately be reflected in the prices of goods for families and businesses.
He also pointed to the risks threatening maritime infrastructure, including undersea communication and energy cables, stressing that protecting these facilities and monitoring the maritime domain are part of Italy's security and national interests.
He added that the Italian Ministry of Defence and the Navy will continue to protect sea lanes and intervene "resolutely" when necessary to protect national interests and the security of citizens.
Source: Reuters
