---
title: "Italy sends warships to Bab el-Mandeb strait amid Houthi threat"
publication: "MediaBias News"
url: "https://mediabias.news/conflict/italy-sends-warships-to-bab-el-mandeb-strait-amid-houthi-threat"
api: "https://mediabias.news/api/v1/stories/italy-sends-warships-to-bab-el-mandeb-strait-amid-houthi-threat"
markdown: "https://mediabias.news/conflict/italy-sends-warships-to-bab-el-mandeb-strait-amid-houthi-threat.md"
audio: "https://mediabias.news/api/audio/italy-sends-warships-to-bab-el-mandeb-strait-amid-houthi-threat"
category: "Conflict & Security"
area: "Middle East"
published: "2026-09-19T22:46:02.255Z"
source_reported: "2026-09-19T22:07:00.000Z"
updated: "2026-09-19T23:00:07.034Z"
trust_score: 42
critic_score: 57
hype_score: 41
assessment_type: "coverage-and-source-reporting-analysis"
fact_check_status: "not-performed"
coverage_measured: "2026-09-19T22:11:20.912Z"
---

# Italy sends warships to Bab el-Mandeb strait amid Houthi threat

*Rome ready to deploy up to four vessels to protect vital shipping lane, defence minister calls for more naval presence.*

**Scores for the source reporting** (0-100, assessing the original journalism this article was written from, not this write-up): 

- Trust 42 of 100, higher is better. Central claim attributed to named bodies, but relies on anonymous sourcing for number of ships.
- Craft 57 of 100, higher is better. Reports include quotes from affected parties and name specific vessels and operations.
- Hype 41 of 100, lower is better. Headlines promise action, but the body details a single escort mission and a call for more ships.

Scored by MediaBias News; method at https://mediabias.news/methodology.

**The short version**

- Italy is ready to send up to four ships to the Bab el-Mandeb strait to secure maritime traffic.
- The Italian Navy frigate Carlo Bergamini escorted the Italian freighter Jolly Oro through the strait.
- Houthi rebels have reinforced their positions around the Bab el-Mandeb strait.
- Italy's defence minister has called for a greater naval presence in the Red Sea.

Italy is preparing to send up to four naval vessels to the Bab el-Mandeb strait to protect merchant shipping. The country's defence minister, Guido Crosetto, has called for an increased naval presence in the Red Sea to safeguard this vital waterway. Houthi rebels have reportedly reinforced their positions around the strait, which connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and handles approximately 12% of global trade.

The Italian Navy frigate Carlo Bergamini recently escorted the Italian freighter Jolly Oro through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. This operation was conducted while the frigate was engaged in the European operation Aspides. The defence minister has stated that Italy is ready to act independently to protect its shipping interests.

## Disagreement on context for Italian action

Some reports suggest Italy's actions are a response to Iran blockading Hormuz in retaliation for attacks by Israel and the US, with former US President Trump attempting to persuade NATO allies to help restore shipping. Other reports frame the deployment as a response to Houthi advances and escalating attacks threatening trade routes, with Italy acting to bolster naval protection for merchant shipping.

## What the coverage left out

None of the left-rated reports covered this story. None of the centre-rated digests mentioned any specific cost estimates for the deployment of Italian ships or the broader naval operations in the Red Sea. None of the right-rated digests mentioned the specific figure of 12% of world trade circulating through the Bab el-Mandeb strait.

## Who covered it

Shares of the 19 covering outlets with a published leaning rating:

- Left: 11% (2)
- Centre: 36% (7)
- Right: 53% (10)

18 of 37 covering outlets carried no usable leaning rating and were excluded from those percentages. Coverage measured 2026-09-19T22:11:20.912Z.

**Coverage watch:** developing. Checked 3 times; 1 check found a material change. Most recently checked 2026-09-19T23:30:10.831Z.

## How the sides framed it

### Left

- Al‑Monitor’s digest reported that Italy’s defence minister urged a stronger naval presence in the Red Sea to safeguard merchant shipping. The piece linked the call to recent Houthi advances along the Red Sea coast and noted the broader strategic importance of the Bab el‑Mandeb Strait.
- The New Arab’s digest quoted Assarmatori, an Italian shipowners’ association, saying roughly 40 percent of Italy’s foreign trade moves through the Suez Canal. The summary did not include the minister’s specific request for additional vessels, cost estimates, or operational details of any deployment.

### Centre

- Centre-rated reports highlighted Italy's readiness to send up to four ships to the Bab el-Mandeb strait. These reports noted the escort of the Italian freighter Jolly Oro by the frigate Carlo Bergamini as part of the European operation Aspides. The defence minister's call for more warships in the Red Sea was also a focus. Some centre-rated digests mentioned Houthi rebels reinforcing positions around the strait and its significance as a vital waterway for 12% of world trade.

### Right

- Right-rated reports focused on the Italian Navy escorting merchant ships in the Bab el-Mandeb and the Red Sea. Several digests from this side mentioned former US President Trump's attempts to encourage NATO allies to restore shipping traffic after Iran's alleged blockade of Hormuz. The Houthi advance towards the global shipping chokepoint was also noted. One digest stated Italy vowed to launch 'spicy meatballs' at the Houthis, though this appears to be a colloquialism rather than a direct quote.

**Provisional coverage gap:** left. The watch is not closed, so this is not yet a settled blindspot finding.

## Factuality profile of the covering outlets

These are published factuality ratings of the outlets, not a verdict on whether this story or its claims are true.

- veryLow: 1
- mixed: 5
- high: 10
- unknown: 18
- veryHigh: 3

## Verification scope

This page compares coverage and scores the source reporting. It is not a ClaimReview verdict on whether the underlying event or claim is true.

## Original reporting this was written from

- [Reuters](https://reuters.com/world/middle-east/italys-minister-calls-more-ships-protect-red-sea-navigation-2026-09-18) — Italy's minister calls for more ships to protect Red Sea navigation
- [Javanews.al](https://javanews.al/rreziku-te-bab-el-mandeb-rritet-greqia-dhe-italia-forcojne-pranine-detare-ne-detin-e-kuq) — Rreziku Te Bab El-Mandeb Rritet, Greqia Dhe Italia Forcojnë Praninë Detare Në Detin E Kuq
- [Telegraf – Najnovije vesti](https://telegraf.rs/vesti/svet/4399426-italija-salje-brodove-u-crveno-more-obezbedjenje-moreuza-bab-el-mandeb) — Italy Announced the Sailing of Ships to Bab El-Mandeb! If There Is a Blockade, It Would Mean a Collapse for the Economy
- [news-pravda.com](https://news-pravda.com/world/2026/09/19/2604082.html) — The Italian Navy has begun escorting merchant ships in the Bab el-Mandeb and the Red Sea
- [Protothema](https://protothema.gr/world/article/1881323/athina-kai-romi-stin-proti-grammi-tou-bab-el-mandeb-sunagermos-gia-tin-asfaleia-tis-nausiploias) — Athens and Rome on the Front Lines of Bab El-Mandeb: Alarm for Navigation Safety
- [topwar.ru](https://topwar.ru/290062-vms-italii-nachali-soprovozhdenie-torgovyh-sudov-v-bab-jel-mandebe-i-krasnom-more.html) — The Italian Navy Began Escorting Merchant Ships to Bab El Mandeba and the Red Sea
- [France24](https://france24.com/es/programas/una-semana-en-el-mundo/20260919-los-hut%C3%ADes-tras-bab-el-mandeb-una-nueva-carta-de-poder-para-ir%C3%A1n) — The Houthis Behind Bab El-Mandeb: A New Power Letter for Iran?
- [nin.rs](https://nin.rs/svet/vesti/123676/italija-spremna-da-posalje-cetiri-fregate-u-bab-el-mandeb) — Italy Is Ready to Send Four Ships to the Bab El-Mandeb Strait
- [[your]NEWS](https://yournews.com/2026/09/19/7199974/italy-scrambles-warships-toward-red-sea-as-houthis-close-in) — Italy Scrambles Warships Toward Red Sea As Houthis Close In On Global Shipping Chokepoint
- [oreanda-news.com](https://oreanda-news.com/v_mire/italiya-gotova-napravit-chetyre-korablya-v-bab-el-mandebskiy-proliv-zayavili-smi/article1601144) — Italy Is Ready to Send Four Ships to the Bab Al-Mandeb Strait, Said the Media
- [Pentapostagma](https://pentapostagma.gr/kosmos/7390350_synagermos-stin-erythra-thalassa-i-eyropi-enishyei-tis-aspides-i-italia-thelei) — Red Sea Alert: Europe Strengthens "Shields" - Italy Wants More Warships - What They Asked Directly From Greece
- [Gazeta Do Povo](https://gazetadopovo.com.br/mundo/italia-reforca-presenca-militar-em-outra-rota-vital-para-o-petroleo-e-comercio-ameacada-no-oriente-medio) — Italy Strengthens Military Presence on Another Vital Route for Oil and Trade
- [Quotidiano Nazionale](https://quotidiano.net/esteri/iran-generale-camporini-non-siamo-in-guerra-pe77hqcr) — Iran, General Camporini: "We Are Not at War but in a Whirlwind of Risks"
- [TradeWinds | Latest shipping and maritime news](https://tradewindsnews.com/casualties/italy-escorts-container-ship-in-red-sea-after-defence-minister-vows-to-protect-shipping/2-1-2046111) — Italy escorts container ship in Red Sea after defence minister vows to protect shipping
- [The Daily Caller](https://dailycaller.com/2026/09/18/italy-warships-red-sea-houthis) — Italy Vows To Launch Spicy Meatballs At The Houthis
- [Business AM](https://businessam.be/italie-stuurt-marine-naar-bab-al-mandeb-om-scheepvaartroutes-te-beveiligen) — Italy Sends Navy to Bab Al-Mandeb to Secure Shipping Routes
- [Il Quotidiano del Sud](https://quotidianodelsud.it/2026/09/18/yemen-nave-marina-militare-accompagna-mercantile-italiano-nello-stretto-di-bab-el-mandeb) — Yemen, Navy Ship Accompanies Italian Freighter in the Bab El-Mandeb Strait
- [Il Messaggero](https://ilmessaggero.it/italia/mercantile_italiano_rischio_attacco_dove_cosa_sappiamo-9771567.html) — Italian Merchant Ship at Risk of Attack, Escorted by the Bergamini Frigate in the Strait of Bab El-Mandeb
- [ItaMilRadar](https://itamilradar.com/2026/09/18/italian-fremm-bergamini-escorts-merchant-ship-through-bab-el-mandeb-under-aspides) — Italian FREMM Bergamini Escorts Merchant Ship Through Bab el-Mandeb Under Aspides
- [aresdifesa.it](https://aresdifesa.it/nave-bergamini-scorta-il-mercantile-jolly-oro-nello-stretto-di-bab-el-mandeb) — Nave Bergamini Escorts the Jolly Oro Freighter in the Strait of Bab El-Mandeb
- [Il Tempo](https://iltempo.it/esteri/2026/09/18/news/yemen--fregata-carlo-bergamini-marina-militare-scorta-mercantile-italiano-jolly-oro-49173827) — Yemen, the Italian Merchant Marine Escort: 'High Attention in the Area'
- [Handelsblatt](https://handelsblatt.com/politik/international/nahost-italien-geleitet-handelsschiff-mit-fregatte-durch-meerenge/100255716.html) — Middle East: Italy Leads Merchant Ship with Frigate Through Strait
- [Day Italia News](https://dayitalianews.com/yemen-marina-militare-scorta-mercantile-italiano-bab-el-mandeb) — Yemen, the Navy Escorts an Italian Merchant in the Bab El-Mandeb
- [saarbruecker-zeitung.de](https://saarbruecker-zeitung.de/nachrichten/politik/ausland/italien-geleitet-handelsschiff-mit-fregatte-durch-meerenge_aid-155038245) — Middle East: Italy Leads Merchant Ship with Frigate Through Strait
- [volksfreund.de](https://volksfreund.de/nachrichten/politik/politik-ausland/italien-geleitet-handelsschiff-mit-fregatte-durch-meerenge_aid-155038257) — Middle East: Italy Leads Merchant Ship with Frigate Through Strait
- [firenzepost.it](https://firenzepost.it/2026/09/18/stretto-bal-el-mandeb-fregata-bergamini-della-marina-militare-scorta-mercantile-italiano) — Bal El-Mandeb Strait: Bergamini Navy Frigate Italian Merchant Escort - Firenze Post
- [Giornale Radio](https://giornaleradio.fm/estero/yemen-nave-marina-militare-accompagna-mercantile-italiano-nello-stretto-di-bab-el-mandeb) — Yemen, Navy Ship Accompanies Italian Freighter in the Bab El-Mandeb Strait
- [notizie.it](https://notizie.it/yemen-nave-marina-militare-accompagna-mercantile-italiano-nello-stretto-di-bab-el-mandeb) — Yemen, Navy Ship Accompanies Italian Freighter in the Bab El-Mandeb Strait
- [Rec News | Lontani dal mainstream](https://recnews.it/2026/09/18/yemen-nave-marina-militare-accompagna-mercantile-italiano-nello-stretto-di-bab-el-mandeb) — Yemen, Navy Ship Accompanies Italian Freighter in the Bab El-Mandeb Strait
- [canaledieci.it](https://canaledieci.it/2026/09/18/yemen-nave-marina-militare-accompagna-mercantile-italiano-nello-stretto-di-bab-el-mandeb) — Yemen, Navy Ship Accompanies Italian Freighter in the Bab El-Mandeb Strait
- [ANSA](https://ansa.it/sito/notizie/mondo/africa/2026/09/18/la-fregata-bergamini-scorta-un-mercantile-italiano-a-bab-el-mandeb_2708dbf7-ef46-4ae2-9841-2489604162d0.html) — The Bergamini Frigate Escorts an Italian Merchant to Bab El-Mandeb
- [Al-Monitor](https://al-monitor.com/originals/2026/09/italys-minister-calls-more-ships-protect-red-sea-navigation) — Italy's minister calls for more ships to protect Red Sea navigation
- [The Print](https://theprint.in/world/italys-minister-calls-for-more-ships-to-protect-red-sea-navigation/3046668) — Just a moment…
- [Bizpac Review](https://bizpacreview.com/2026/09/18/italy-scrambles-warships-toward-red-sea-as-houthis-close-in-on-global-shipping-chokepoint-1659606) — Italy scrambles warships toward Red Sea as Houthis close in on global shipping chokepoint
- [The New Arab](https://newarab.com/news/italys-minister-calls-more-ships-protect-red-sea) — Italy's minister calls for more ships to protect Red Sea
- [The Straits Times](https://straitstimes.com/world/europe/italys-minister-calls-for-more-ships-to-protect-red-sea-navigation) — Italy’s minister calls for more ships to protect Red Sea navigation
- [Marine Insight](https://marineinsight.com/italy-to-deploy-warships-in-bab-el-mandeb-to-protect-its-commercial-vessels-from-houthis) — Italy To Deploy Warships In Bab-El-Mandeb To Protect Its Commercial Vessels From Houthis

## Questions

**How many ships is Italy ready to send to the Bab el-Mandeb strait?**

Italy is ready to send up to four ships to the Bab el-Mandeb strait. This deployment is intended to help secure the key waterway and protect merchant shipping amid rising tensions in the region.

**What is the significance of the Bab el-Mandeb strait?**

The Bab el-Mandeb strait is a crucial maritime passage connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden. It is a vital route for global trade, with approximately 12% of world trade circulating through it.

**What action has the Italian Navy taken in the strait?**

The Italian Navy frigate Carlo Bergamini escorted the Italian freighter Jolly Oro through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. This operation was conducted as part of the European operation Aspides, aimed at ensuring maritime security.

**What is Italy's defence minister calling for?**

Italy's defence minister, Guido Crosetto, has called for a stronger naval presence in the Red Sea. He stated that Italy is prepared to act independently to protect its interests and merchant shipping in the region.

---

MediaBias News — https://mediabias.news. Reproduced from https://mediabias.news/conflict/italy-sends-warships-to-bab-el-mandeb-strait-amid-houthi-threat. Please cite as: MediaBias News, "Italy sends warships to Bab el-Mandeb strait amid Houthi threat", https://mediabias.news/conflict/italy-sends-warships-to-bab-el-mandeb-strait-amid-houthi-threat