Italy’s Defense Minister, Guido Crosetto, announced that his country could not wait for European Union decision-making processes under Operation Aspides and plans to independently escort commercial vessels.
The defense minister was quoted confirming that he had instructed military officials to assess the security situation and prepare a plan to ensure safe passage for Italian merchant ships through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
Italy has participated in the EU’s defensive naval mission, Operation Aspides, since its launch in 2024 to protect international shipping from Houthi attacks. The strategic waterway—measuring just 18 miles (29 km) wide at its narrowest point—serves as one of the world’s most critical maritime choke points.
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