Last night, the US and the UK launched air and sea strikes against multiple targets in Yemen, while the Netherlands, Australia, Canada and Bahrain provided logistical and intelligence support.

The nighttime raids were said to be in response to repeated Houthi attacks on ships in the Red Sea, one of the world’s busiest trade routes.

The attacks, which followed a series of warnings from Western allies, involved fighter jets and Tomahawk missiles.

Houthi army spokesman Yahya Sarea said a total of 73 raids targeted the Yemeni capital Sana’a and four other regions, killing at least five fighters and wounding six others.

The Iran-backed group has repeatedly explained that its attacks are a sign of solidarity with Hamas, which is engaged in a war against Israel.

Italy refused to participate in the attack?

As Reuters reports with reference to an anonymous source in the government, Italy refused to participate in a joint action organized by the United States and Great Britain.

The same source, who asked not to be named because of the sensitivity of the subject, also said the Italian government needs parliamentary support to take part in any military action, making quick approval impossible.

However, a government source denied the revelations made by Reuters, explaining that Italy would not have been invited to take part in the offensive.

According to Italian Defense Minister Guido Crozetto, the attacks of the Houthis must be stopped, but without starting a new war in the region.

Crosetto also told the same Reuters news agency that Italy would need parliamentary approval for possible participation in the international naval mission, making any possible accession difficult.

In December, Italy announced it would send a warship to the area after requests for support from shipowners, but did not join the US-led mission. Other EU allies appear to have distanced themselves from the initiative, Il Giornale reports.

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