German Government Approves Military Participation in EU Red Sea Mission, According to Reuters

German Government Approves Naval Mission in Red Sea

The German government has authorized the deployment of its armed forces to participate in a European Union naval mission aimed at safeguarding merchant vessels in the Red Sea from assaults by Yemen’s Houthi militia, which is backed by Iran. A government spokesperson announced this decision on Friday.

Due to recent attacks by the Houthis, who control significant portions of Yemen and claim to support the Palestinians amidst the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, many commercial shipping routes have been altered.

"The escalating violence and the risks to the safety of ship crews, particularly in the southern Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait, necessitate a well-equipped military operation," the spokesperson stated during a press conference in Berlin.

Germany’s involvement is contingent upon parliamentary approval, with a vote anticipated next Friday, which is expected to pass. Legislators will be presented with a motion for a mandate extending until the end of February 2025, allowing for the deployment of up to 700 soldiers.

Earlier in February, a German air defense frigate joined the EU mission. Other participating countries include France, Greece, and Italy, collectively known as the Aspides mission, which translates to "protector."

The mission’s mandate includes the protection of commercial vessels and the interception of attacks but does not authorize offensive actions against the Houthis on land.