Germany to Join EU Naval Mission in Red Sea

Germany is expected to take part in a European Union naval mission to protect navigation in the Red Sea, which will be approved by foreign ministers of EU member states later this month.

The Chairwoman of the Defense Committee in the German Parliament (Bundestag), Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann stated on Sunday that the mission's objective would involve EU frigates securing commercial vessels transiting through the strait.

The waterways leading to the Suez Canal in the Red Sea have been significantly affected by attacks launched by Houthi rebels, who are allied with Iran, originating from Yemen.

These attacks have virtually paralyzed maritime routes in the region, which are among the world's most crucial for shipping.

Strack-Zimmermann emphasized, "This is an attack on free trade and must be confronted."

Earlier reports from the newspaper "Bild am Sonntag" suggested that the German frigate Hessen would set sail for the Red Sea on February 1st.

However, any deployment of armed forces abroad must first receive approval from the German parliament.