An Italian navy ship shot down a drone flying towards it in the Red Sea on Saturday, the defense ministry said, according to Reuters.

In a statement, the ministry described the action as self-defense by the warship Duilio, which helps protect trade routes from drone and missile attacks by the Yemeni Houthi militia.

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

Defense Minister Guido Crosetto said the Houthi attacks, aimed at showing solidarity with the Palestinian group Hamas in the war against Israel, are part of a hybrid war strategy against some countries.

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

In February, the European Union launched a naval mission in the Red Sea called Eunavfor Aspides to protect shipping in the area.