Italy weighs joining navy coalition to protect Red Sea trade

Italy weighs joining navy coalition to protect Red Sea trade

Italy's navy is weighing a decision to join a military coaltion seeking to secure the Red Sea against Houthi rebel attacks on trading vessels, Reuters reported Monday.

The U.S. called for nations to form such a coalition earlier this month as the Iran-backed Houthis ramped up missile and drone attacks on international shipping vessels. The Red Sea functions as a key artery for much of the world's fuel shipments.

The U.S., France and U.K. have already ramped up naval presence in the region. The U.S. Navy's USS Carney and USS Mason have also shot down multiple Houthi drones.