The European Union requested Italy to command its new naval mission in the Red Sea to protect merchant ships from attacks by Yemen-based Houthi rebels.
The move was a further recognition of the commitment of the government and defence officials as well as the professionalism of the Italian Navy, Defence Minister Guido Crosetto stated.
“The European Union has asked Italy to provide the Force Commander of Operation Aspides in the Red Sea. The importance and urgency of Operation Aspides, which will contribute to ensuring free navigation and the safety of commercial traffic in the Red Sea, led the Italian Defence Force to immediately pledge its support.”
Crosetto also claimed that Italy could send aircraft to the Red Sea for surveillance and data collection tasks as part of its participation in the Aspides defensive military operation, in addition to “at least one” ship already pledged.
This is a further recognition of the commitment of the Government and Defence and of the professionalism of the Italian Navy.
Italy, France and Greece were also reportedly being considered for the role of European mission commander.
