Live Updates > Live Update Details
2026-09-20 11:26:10
[Italy Plans to Deploy Warships to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait for Escort Missions] According to Italian media reports on September 19, citing sources, the Italian government is developing a plan to strengthen escort operations in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and is prepared to deploy more ships in the area if necessary to ensure the safety of merchant shipping. Italian Defense Minister Croceto has written to the EU, urging them to "make a timely and effective decision" to prevent obstruction of navigation in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Croceto also stated that if other member states currently participating in the EU's Red Sea escort operation do not send ships, Italy will increase its own deployment, with other member states sharing the costs. The specific number of ships to be deployed has not yet been finalized. Recently, the Houthi rebels in Yemen have intensified their offensive against government forces and announced a maritime embargo against Saudi Arabia, which supports the Yemeni government. On September 10, the Houthi rebels captured the Red Sea port city of Muha, and the following day seized the important island of Perim in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. (CCTV International News)
