The Italian Military Support Base in Djibouti, established in 2013 through a bilateral agreement, is involved in counter-terrorism and maritime operations. Its primary functions include monitoring commercial traffic and addressing piracy in the Horn of Africa, Gulf of Aden, and Indian Ocean. The base serves as a logistical hub for military operations and facilitates personnel movements and operations in Somalia.[1]
History
editItaly's military presence in the Horn of Africa, centered at the 'Amedeo Guillet' base in Djibouti, reflects its regional strategy and historical connections with former colonies such as Somalia, Ethiopia, and Eritrea. The base accommodates up to 300 personnel and plays a role in regional security operations.[2]
International Cooperation
editItaly participated in NATO's counter-piracy operations in the Horn of Africa through Operation Ocean Shield from 2009 to 2016. Italian naval vessels, including the ITS Mimbelli and ITS San Marco, were engaged in this mission to deter and disrupt piracy in the Gulf of Aden, Indian Ocean, and off the coast of Somalia. Italy's contributions included naval escorts for humanitarian aid shipments and participation in actions to prevent pirate hijackings.[3]
Additionally, Italy participates in the European Union's maritime security operations in Djibouti. The Italian ship Fasan is involved in Operation Aspides, focusing on intercepting threats such as drones in the Red Sea. This operation forms part of the EU’s broader efforts to secure maritime routes in the region.[4]
See Also
editReferences
edit- ^ Embassy of Italy Addis Ababa, "The Italian Minister of Defense Hon. Lorenzo Guerini met the soldiers of the Italian Military Support Base engaged in the mission in Djibouti," March 30, 2021, https://ambaddisabeba.esteri.it/en/news/dall_ambasciata/2021/03/il-ministro-della-difesa-on-lorenzo-2/.
- ^ Silvia Strangis, "Italy’s Renewed Interest in the Horn of Africa," The Istituto Affari Internazionali, 07/12/2022, https://www.iai.it/en/pubblicazioni/italys-renewed-interest-horn-africa.
- ^ North Atlantic Treaty Organization, "Counter-piracy operations (2008-2016)," NATO, last updated 19 May 2022, https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/topics_48815.htm.
- ^ Josep Borrell, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy / Vice-President of the European Commission, "Djibouti, a crucial partner in a strategic but unstable region," The European External Action Service, 15 July 2024, https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/djibouti-crucial-partner-strategic-unstable-region_en.