Italy to deploy naval and air defence forces to protect Cyprus

Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto has announced that Italy will send naval forces to protect Cyprus in the coming days, along with air defence systems against drones and missiles for Middle Eastern countries.

Speaking in parliament ahead of a vote on Italy’s military assistance to the region, Crosetto confirmed earlier statements by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Caliber.Az reports via British media.

“We’re not the only country facing this situation, and we have all received requests for assistance. <…> We are evaluating together, including how to share responsibility … we must reassess our positions in the region and respond to the requests of friendly countries in difficulty,” he said.

He added that Italy intended to maintain a “multi-domain” presence in the Middle East, “with anti-drone and anti-missile air defence systems within the scope of our authorised operations and within the limits of our missions”.

Among opposition parties, the Five Star Movement said its deputies would abstain from voting. 

“Europe doesn’t have enemies, Italy doesn’t have enemies, but we are fighting the enemies of others – the US and Israel are choosing our enemies,” Five Star deputy Arnaldo Lomuti said. 

He added that Italy should be “sending an aid package to Iran” and “sanctioning the US and Israel for attacking it.”

By Jeyhun Aghazada