Italy Backs US and UK Strikes on Yemen
Italy Condemns Houthi Attacks on Red Sea Merchant Ships
In response to the repeated attacks by the Houthi forces against merchant ships in the Red Sea, Italy has expressed its unequivocal condemnation and announced its strong support for the right to free and safe navigation in accordance with international standards. The Prime Ministry of Italy made this statement, emphasizing the unacceptable behavior of the Houthi forces and expressing support for global trade flows and humanitarian aid.
Italy also welcomed the approval of the United Nations (UN) Security Council resolution 2722, which was passed on January 10, and reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring safe freedom of navigation in the Red Sea. The statement stressed the importance of preventing further escalation of tension in the region.
Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani declared Italy’s determination to guarantee freedom of navigation in the Red Sea. He also announced Italy’s participation in the European mission Atalanta, calling for broader powers for the mission or the launch of a new European mission to ensure the free movement of goods.
Tajani further revealed that Italy had received advance notice of the US and UK air strike against the Houthis in Yemen, explaining that according to their constitution, parliamentary approval was required for Italy to participate in such operations.
The tension in the Red Sea has escalated due to the actions of the Houthi forces, who have been seizing and attacking commercial ships off the coast of Yemen. The Houthis claimed to be targeting ships affiliated with Israeli companies in response to Israel’s actions in Gaza. This has led to disruptions in global maritime trade, with many shipping companies deciding to halt their voyages in the Red Sea.
In response to the Houthi attacks, the USA announced the formation of a multinational “maritime task force” called “Operation Welfare Guardian,” involving a group of countries to counter the Houthi forces and ensure the security of global maritime trade. The US forces have also intercepted missiles and kamikaze drones fired from Yemen, and there have been incidents of exchanges of fire between the Houthis and US forces in the Red Sea.
The United Nations Security Council adopted a resolution on January 11, calling for an immediate end to the Houthi attacks in the Red Sea. The resolution aims to address the threat posed to global trade, as approximately 12 percent of global trade passes through the Suez Canal, which connects the Mediterranean to the Red Sea and serves as a critical trade route between Europe and Asia.
As tensions continue to rise in the region, Italy’s stance to condemn the attacks and support the freedom of navigation in the Red Sea is a crucial step towards ensuring the safe passage of ships and protecting global trade.
