Yemeni-based Houthi rebels have
warned Italy that if it gets in the way of their attacks on
commercial ships in the Red Sea that are affiliated to Israel
they will have no choice but to attack.
"It is a shame that Italy shot down one of our drones. We will
act accordingly," Zayd al-Gharsi, director of the media
department of the presidency of the Houthi Republic of Sanaa,
told ANSA on Saturday, referring to the drone attack by the
Iran-backed rebels that was neutralised by the Caio Duilio
destroyer in the Bab El Mandeb Strait on March 2.
"We do not attack Italy per se, but if it gets in the way of our
action its leaves us no other choice," he added.
"For us, Italy is a friendly country" and "we have not made war
on Italy or other European countries", continued the
spokesperson.
"Our fight is for the defence of the Palestinians," said
al-Gharsi, adding that "our drones and weapons are aimed at
Israel and those who defend Israel in front of our shores".
Last Tuesday the Lower House approved Italy's involvement in
three new international missions including the EU's Aspides
mission to shield Red Sea shipping from the Houthi attacks that
started after Israel began its war against Hamas in Gaza
following the October 7 massacres.
Before the vote, Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister Antonio
Tajani said the drone attack that the Italian Navy warship
neutralized at the weekend showed the seriousness of the threat
posed by the rebels.
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