Italy has refused to join the US and UK offensive against Yemen’s Houthis, government officials announced on Friday, explaining that Rome wants to follow a policy of “appeasement” in the Red Sea.
The official, who asked not to be named due to the sensitivity of the matter, also said the government would need support from Congress to participate in military action, and quick approval would not be possible.
The United States and Britain attacked multiple targets in Yemen by air and sea, while the Netherlands, Australia, Canada and Bahrain provided logistical and intelligence support, U.S. officials said.
The nighttime attack was in response to repeated attacks by the Houthis on shipping in the Red Sea, one of the world’s busiest trade routes.
Earlier this week, Italy’s Defense Minister Guido Crossetto said Houthi attacks must stop without sparking a new war in the region.
The United States and other countries launched Operation Prosperity Guardian last month to protect the ship.
Italy announced in December that it would send ships to the area following requests from shipowners for assistance, but it is not participating in the U.S.-led mission, and other European Union allies have also distanced themselves from the initiative. It seems that it is placed there.
Klix.ba reported Crozet said Italy would need parliamentary approval to participate in a new international naval mission, which would complicate eventual accession.
E.Dz.