The Houthi maritime blockade in the Red Sea justifies a collective military response

Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto ordered the navy on 17 September 2026 to prepare measures for protecting Italian merchant vessels passing through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Italy has not disclosed which ships would be deployed, whether vessels would receive armed escorts or whether the response would operate through the existing EU naval mission, EUNAVFOR Aspides. The preparations follow Houthi territorial gains along Yemen's Red Sea coast, which have increased the perceived danger to shipping near Bab el-Mandeb. The strait has become still more important because Saudi oil exports have been redirected towards the Red Sea while traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains constrained. Italy also identified undersea data cables and energy infrastructure as potential security concerns. The title works as an umbrella for Italy's preparations, the existing EU naval mission and any subsequent deployments; however, Italy has not yet announced a new operation, deployed specific assets or published rules of engagement.