Italian Navy Downs Houthi Drone in the Red Sea

The Italian Ministry of Defense announced that an Italian warship named Duilio shot down a Houthi drone supported by the Islamic Republic that was approaching the Duilio on Saturday in the Red Sea. The statement describes this action as 'self-defense' by the Duilio. The Duilio is currently on a mission to protect commercial routes against drone and missile attacks from Houthi militants in Yemen. The Italian Ministry of Defense's statement says: 'This drone, with characteristics similar to those used in previous attacks, was flying about six kilometers from the Italian ship and was approaching it.' Guido Crosetto, the Italian Minister of Defense, stated that Houthi attacks aimed at showing solidarity with Hamas are part of a hybrid warfare strategy against certain countries. He said: 'Houthi terrorist attacks are a serious violation of international law and an assault on maritime traffic security, which our economy depends on.' This action by Italy follows recent Houthi attacks on ships in the Red Sea. The internationally recognized Yemeni government announced on Saturday, March 2, that the ship 'Rubymar,' which was attacked by Houthis supported by the Islamic Republic in late January, has sunk. According to Reuters, if confirmed, this would be the first ship sunk since Houthi militants began targeting commercial vessels. The Yemeni government's statement indicated that Rubymar sank on the night of March 2 and warned of an 'environmental disaster.' The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) had previously announced that this ship was carrying over 31,000 tons of chemical fertilizer at the time of the attack. CENTCOM also stated that the attack on Rubymar caused serious damage and resulted in an oil spill covering an area of 29 kilometers. The legitimate Yemeni government: The cargo ship 'Rubymar' sank in the southern Red Sea. Missile error in the Red Sea: A German frigate mistakenly fired at an American drone. A hearing was held to inform the captain of a vessel carrying missile equipment for the Houthis. An American official stated that Islamic Republic operational forces inside Yemen support the destructive actions of the Houthis. The U.S. and the U.K. sanctioned the successor to the commander of the Quds Force of the IRGC. CENTCOM: Houthi missile attacks on an American ship caused no damage.