ROME: The US Department of Defence announced on Saturday that an Italian navy vessel in the Red Sea shot down a drone that was flying towards it.
The ministry’s statement described the move as self-defence by Duilio, which helps protect trade routes from drone and missile attacks by Yemen’s Houthi militias.
The drone had similar characteristics to those used in previous attacks and was flying towards the Italian ship approximately 6 kilometers (3.73 miles) away, the statement said.
Defense Minister Guido Krest said that the attack by the Houthis was aimed at showing solidarity with the Palestinian militia Hamas in the war against Israel and was part of a combined war strategy against some countries.
He said the terrorist attack of the Houthis is a serious violation of international laws and an attack on the security of maritime transport, which their economy depends on.
In February, the European Union launched a maritime mission, Eunavfor Aspides, to protect shipping in the Red Sea region. Italy announced that it would send an admiral to lead the mission.
