Italy to deploy warships to protect their commercial ships from Houthis in Bab-el-Mandeb

Italy will reportedly deploy warships to protect its commercial vessels travelling through Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, where Houthis have expanded their control. Italy’s Defence Minister said Rome would safeguard its vessels rather than wait for the EU to reach a joint decision. Iran-backed Houthis have seized Mocha, the wider Red Sea coastline and islands, positioning guns along the 19-km-wide strait.