Germany Approves Military Deployment In EU Mission To Safeguard Red Sea Shipping

The German government has reportedly approved the deployment of armed forces in an EU naval mission in the waters of the Red Sea to safeguard merchant vessels from the attacks by Yemeni Iran-backed Houthis, a government spokesperson mentioned on Friday.

Several shippers have also diverted the vessels following the attacks by Houthis. This organization controls a significant portion of Yemen and mentions that they are acting to show solidarity with the Palestinians as Hamas and Israel wage war in Gaza.

The escalation of violence as well as the threat to life and the limb of crews of vessels, especially in the waters of the southern Red Sea as well as the Bab al-Mandab Strait, need a well-equipped military operation, the government spokesperson added at a regular press briefing in Berlin.

Germany’s participation continues to hinge on the parliamentary approval. A vote regarding the matter is scheduled for Friday and is expected to pass. Parliamentarians are also likely to receive a motion for a mandate until the end of Feb 2025 with a higher limit of about 700 soldiers deployed, per the spokesperson.

In February, an air defence frigate from Germany was reportedly sent to participate in the EU mission. Greece, France, and Italy are among the nations that will participate in the mission, named Aspides, meaning the protector. They will be mandated to safeguard commercial vessels and intercept the attacks but not participate in the strikes against Houthis on land.

Reference: Reuters

Germany Approves Military Deployment In EU Mission To Safeguard Red Sea Shipping appeared first on Marine Insight – The Maritime Industry Guide

Source: Maritime Shipping News