Germany in talks with EU partners about possible Red Sea maritime mission

Germany and its European Union partners are examining whether they could mount a new maritime mission to protect commercial vessels under threat of attack in the Red Sea, a German foreign ministry spokesperson says.

“We as the German government are ready for this. It is important that we as the EU are able to act as quickly as possible in view of the ongoing attacks,” the spokesperson says, adding that a decision on the matter had not yet been taken.

The Iran-backed Houthis have launched more than 100 drone and missile attacks in recent weeks, targeting 14 commercial and merchant vessels in the Red Sea.

The United States has been spearheading a new maritime force, known as Operation Prosperity Guardian, to respond to the attacks by Yemen’s Houthis, but some allies have been reluctant to join.

Germany is continuing to examine the question of possible participation in the US-led mission, adds the spokesperson.