According to Italian media reports on September 19, citing sources, the Italian government is formulating a plan to strengthen the escort of the Strait of Mande, and is preparing to deploy more ships in this area if necessary to ensure the safety of commercial shipping. Italian Defense Minister Croseto has sent a letter to the European Union calling on the EU to “make timely and effective decisions” to prevent the blocking of navigation through the Strait of Mander. Croseto also said that if other member states currently participating in the EU Red Sea escort military operation do not send ships, Italy will increase its deployment on its own, while other member states should share the related costs. Currently, the exact number of ships deployed has not been finalized. Recently, the Houthis in Yemen stepped up their offensive against government forces and announced a maritime embargo against Saudi Arabia, which supports the Yemeni government. On the 10th of this month, the Houthis captured the Red Sea port city of Muha, and the next day they seized Pilin Island, an important island located in the Mander Strait.

According to Italian media reports on September 19, citing sources, the Italian government is formulating a plan to strengthen the escort of the Strait of Mande, and is preparing to deploy more ships in this area if necessary to ensure the safety of commercial shipping. Italian Defense Minister Croseto has sent a letter to the European Union calling on the EU to “make timely and effective decisions” to prevent the blocking of navigation through the Strait of Mander. Croseto also said that if other member states currently participating in the EU Red Sea escort military operation do not send ships, Italy will increase its deployment on its own, while other member states should share the related costs. Currently, the exact number of ships deployed has not been finalized. Recently, the Houthis in Yemen stepped up their offensive against government forces and announced a maritime embargo against Saudi Arabia, which supports the Yemeni government. On the 10th of this month, the Houthis captured the Red Sea port city of Muha, and the next day they seized Pilin Island, an important island located in the Mander Strait.