In a recent incident in the Red Sea, an Italian naval vessel shot down an approaching drone on Saturday. The Duilio, an Italian destroyer deployed to safeguard trade routes from drone and missile strikes by Yemen’s Houthi militia, responded in self-defence, according to the Italian minister of defence. The drone, which resembled those used in past attacks, was flying toward the Italian destroyer when it was intercepted approximately 6 kilometres (3.73 miles) away.
Guido Crosetto, the minister of defence, criticised the Houthi strikes as a breach of international law and a danger to maritime security. He described these strikes as a part of a larger hybrid warfare plan directed towards multiple nations. Italy is participating in the European Union’s Eunavfor Aspides naval mission, which was initiated in February to safeguard shipping in the Red Sea. Italy is providing the admiral in command for this mission.
The Italian navy’s involvement coincides with rising tensions in the area as Houthi leaders have threatened to keep attacking British ships in the wake of the UK-owned Rubymar’s sinking due to damage from a Houthi missile. The severity of the situation and the dangers to military and commercial ships travelling the Red Sea are brought to light by the Italian involvement.
The Houthis have attacked ships they believe to be supporting Israeli objectives, claiming to be fighting alongside Hamas in the conflict with Israel. The safety of marine transportation and the possible environmental effects of sinking ships and spilt cargo, including fertilisers, which might destroy aquatic ecosystems, have been called into question by these attacks.
The Red Sea situation has enormous geopolitical consequences, with Yemen’s Houthi conflict being viewed as part of Iran’s larger regional objectives. The complexity of the situation and the attempts to preserve stability in the area can be observed in the engagement of numerous international entities, particularly Italy.
Reference: Reuters
Italian Destroyer Shoots Down Houthi Drone In Self Defence In Red Sea appeared first on Marine Insight – The Maritime Industry Guide
Source: Maritime Shipping News