(ANSA) - ROME, DEC 19 - The Italian frigate 'Virgilio Fasan'
is to be deployed to the Red Sea ahead of schedule in the
context of a deteriorating security situation following attacks
by Houthi rebels in Yemen on commercial vessels navigating in
the area, the Italian defence ministry said on Tuesday.
The ship was set to be deployed next February in support of the
European diplomatic and anti-piracy operation 'Atalanta' in the
Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean.
++ Italian ship to be sent to Red Sea ahead of schedule - MoD ++
'Fasan' to pass through Suez Canal on December 24