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2026-09-19 21:24:09
[Italy Reportedly Plans to Deploy Up to Four Ships to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait] According to information released by Italy on January 19, the Italian government plans to deploy up to four ships to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait area to maintain the safety of navigation for passing vessels. Sources familiar with the matter revealed that Italian Defense Minister Croceto has written to EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Karas, urging the EU to make "timely and efficient decisions" to avoid disrupting navigation in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Croceto also stated that if other member states currently participating in the EU's "Operation Shield" in the Red Sea do not send ships, Italy will take unilateral action, deploying up to four ships, including frigates, to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, with the associated costs to be shared by the other member states.
