Italy's navy escorts Italian ship out of Bab al-Mandab Strait; Crosetto says 'we must not allow bureaucracy to delay decisions' as Houthis gain control

Italy's navy has initiated operations to escort Italian vessels through the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a critical maritime route linking the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. This decision, announced by Defence Minister Guido Crosetto, reflects Italy's urgency to act independently of EU directives amid escalating tensions in the region.⁶

The Jolly Oro, an Italian-operated ship, was successfully escorted by the military frigate Carlo Bergamini on its northbound journey, with the Italian Navy confirming that the voyage passed without incident. Crosetto emphasized, “We have the capabilities to protect passage. We must not allow bureaucracy to delay decisions and exacerbate an already complex situation.”

The backdrop to this military action is the recent territorial gains by the Iran-allied Houthi militia, which has taken control of Yemen's entire west coast, significantly impacting international shipping and posing a challenge to Saudi Arabia's influence in the region. The Houthis' control allows them virtually unrestricted access to the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a vital shipping lane for trade between Europe and Asia.¹

Crosetto's remarks at the Risorsa Mare forum in La Spezia highlighted Italy's proactive stance, stating, “We have decided, with the chief of staff, not to wait for Aspides to decide whether the ships can pass or not.” The Italian Defence Ministry is also considering whether to place military assets already in the region under national command to enhance security measures.