The Italian Minister of Defense, Guido Crosetto, has communicated a joint decision with the Armed Forces to "activate the Navy to ensure the safe passage of Italian ships" through the Bab el Mandeb Strait. The objective is to safeguard "the economic, energy, digital, and communications security" of Italy in light of what he has described as a "difficult situation," in a veiled reference to the recent advances of the Houthi militias towards the southwestern coast of Yemen.
During his intervention at the Risorsa Mare 2026 meeting, organized by the think tank Ambrosetti, Crosetto pointed out that "in light of the difficult situation that is repeating itself in the Bab el Mandeb Strait, which adds to the crisis in Hormuz and the economic consequences of numerous international tensions, I have decided, together with the Chief of Defense Staff, Luciano Portolano, to activate the Navy to prepare what is necessary and ensure the safe passage of Italian ships."
The Defense official has based this measure on the risk that maritime traffic in Bab el Mandeb may be disrupted, reminding that "when a maritime route is interrupted, goods arrive late, costs increase, and prices rise for families and businesses." "Every economic crisis particularly affects the most vulnerable people, jeopardizing social cohesion and the stability of the country," he emphasized.
In the same vein, he stressed that "defending freedom of navigation means, therefore, protecting our supplies, the work of businesses, the purchasing power of families, and Italy's ability to generate wealth."
For Crosetto, "it is not only about the physical protection of the territory against possible threats, but also about economic, energy, digital, and communications security," warning that "a nation can be struck not only with bombs but also by compromising its economy, its social cohesion, and the trust of citizens in the institutions."
The announcement coincides with the warning of a tanker to the British Navy, which has reported "that a small vessel chased it and attempted to intercept it," according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO, for its acronym in English). This incident occurs amid the escalation of the conflict between the government forces backed by Saudi Arabia and the Houthis, who in recent weeks have consolidated their control over strategic localities around the Bab el Mandeb strait.