Italian Defense Minister Says Handling Houthi Attacks In The Red Sea Should Not Cause New War

JAKARTA - Italy's defense minister said the Houthi group's attack on ships in the Red Sea should be stopped without triggering a new war, as the group stepped up attacks on commercial ships in the region.

"I don't want to open a third war right now," Guido Crosetto told Reuters, referring to the current conflict in Ukraine and Gaza.

Italy announced in December that it would send naval vessels to the Red Sea region, following requests for assistance from ship owners. However, Italy has not signed up for a US-led mission, with other EU allies also appearing to be distancing themselves from the initiative.

Defense Minister Crosetto said parliament needed to approve the involvement of the Italian navy in the 'Operation Property Guardian', thus complicating compliance ultimately.

"There is something called the Constitution, and there is a law that requires parliamentary approval and requires separate funding," explained Defense Minister Crosetto.

"If we decide to do so (join the 'Operation Property Guardian'), it will be a decision that must go through a cabinet meeting, reach parliament and be selected by (two) rooms," he said.

The Houthis have vowed to continue attacks on the Red Sea until Israel stops the conflict in Gaza, saying they will attack US warships if the militia groups are attacked in Yemen.

Most recently, US and British troops shot down 21 drones and missiles fired by the Houthis on Tuesday towards the Red Sea international cruise line, US CENTCOM said, adding it was the 26th Houthi attack since November 19.

The United States and other countries last month launched the 'Operation Property Guardian', to protect civilian ships on one of the world's most important trade routes.