Italy says its naval ship shot down a drone in the Red Sea in self-defense

An Italian navy ship shot down a drone flying towards it in the Red Sea today, the defense ministry says.

A ministry statement describes the action as self-defense by the Duilio, which is helping protect trade routes from drone and missile attacks by Yemen’s Houthi militia.

“The drone, with similar characteristics to those already used in previous attacks, was about 6 km (3.73 miles) from the Italian ship, flying towards it,” the statement says.

Defense Minister Guido Crosetto says the Houthi attacks, which are intended to show solidarity with Hamas, are part of a strategy of hybrid warfare against some countries.

“The Houthi terrorist attacks are a serious violation of international law and an attack on the security of the maritime traffic on which our economy depends,” he says.