Italy Ready to Escort Ships Through Bab el-Mandeb Without Waiting for EU, Says Defense Chief
Guido Crosetto warns that delays to Red Sea navigation are driving up costs for businesses and households
Italy's Defense Minister Guido Crosetto said his country is prepared to escort commercial vessels through the Bab el-Mandeb strait without waiting for a coordinated European Union response, according to Anadolu Agency.
Crosetto said continued disruptions to shipping through the Red Sea corridor are increasing costs for businesses and households, according to the report.
The Bab el-Mandeb strait, a critical maritime chokepoint linking the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden, has seen repeated attacks on commercial shipping, prompting rerouting of vessels and raising transport costs for global trade.
According to Anadolu Agency, Crosetto indicated Italy's willingness to act independently to safeguard shipping lanes if a broader EU initiative is not forthcoming in a timely manner.
The minister's remarks come amid ongoing international concern over the security of the strait, which serves as a vital route for goods moving between Asia, Europe and the Middle East.
Further details on the scope, timeline or specific measures of any Italian naval escort operation were not immediately available.
Sources
- Italy ready to escort ships through Bab el-Mandeb without waiting for EU, says defense chief — Anadolu Agency (Turkey)
EGazette summarizes reporting from multiple sources; follow the links for the originals.
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