The German ship is involved in fighting in the Red Sea

2024-02-29 12:32:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

The German ship is involved in fighting in the Red Sea

Frigate Hessen

The German frigate Hessen, stationed in the Red Sea to protect merchant ships, repelled the first attack by the Houthis, a militia operating from Yemen. According to the Bundeswehr, a ship participating in the EU military mission "Aspides" destroyed two drones. It was the first use of munitions by the German navy in an operation that began on Friday and is considered the most dangerous naval mission in the history of the Bundeswehr.

Pistorius: "One of the most dangerous missions"

By bombing merchant ships in the Red Sea, the Iran-allied Houthi militia wants to end Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip. The Israeli military operation is a response to the Islamist Hamas terrorist attack on October 7.

The German ship is involved in fighting in the Red Sea

The sea route through the Red Sea and the Suez Canal is one of the most important trade routes in the world. Because of attacks by Iran-armed Houthis, major shipping companies are increasingly avoiding the shortest sea link between Asia and Europe – with significant consequences for the global economy.

On Friday, the Bundestag approved German participation in the EU mission "Aspides". The frigate "Hessen" had earlier left Wilhelmshafen for the operational area in order to start fulfilling its duties immediately after the decision of the Bundestag.

This mission also contributes to the stabilization of the region, said Defense Minister Boris Pistorius. "But we must be clear: the mission of "Hessen" is one of the most dangerous for the German navy in recent decades", warned the minister.

Huthi will expand the attacks

Last week, the Houthi militia announced it would expand attacks on merchant ships off the coast of Yemen. Leader Abdel-Malik al-Houthi said in a televised address that the escalation was a response to Israel's escalation in the Gaza Strip. So far, 48 ships have been attacked. He also announced the use of underwater weapons.

Several Western countries, including the US and Great Britain, are involved in operations to repel the attack./ DW