Red Sea Houthi Drone Attack Neutralized by Italian Navy

An Italian naval vessel neutralized a drone launched by Yemen's Houthi rebels aimed at a European freighter, according to an announcement by Italy's defense ministry on Monday.

The interception occurred near the Bab-el-Mandeb strait at the southern tip of the Red Sea, during the late morning hours, the ministry reported.

The drone was approaching the freighter and was successfully disabled when it was approximately 5 kilometers (3.11 miles) distant. It resembled the type previously used by the Houthis in similar assaults, according to the ministry.

Additional attacks involved other drones and missiles targeting the cargo, with one missile detonating in the water close to the ship, causing minimal damage, the ministry noted.

The Italian frigate Fasan, escorting the freighter, continues its journey southward along its scheduled path out of the Red Sea, the ministry further stated.

Italy contributes to the EU naval mission, Eunavfor Aspides, initiated in February to safeguard maritime traffic in the Red Sea, a crucial global trading passage.

The Houthi rebels, supported by Iran, have frequently targeted international commercial vessels in the region with drones and missiles, stating that their actions support the Palestinians in response to Israeli military operations in Gaza.