The ship “Hessen”, participating in the EU military mission “Aspides”, successfully combats two enemy aerial targets. The operation is considered the most dangerous naval mission in the history of the German Bundeswehr.
The German frigate “Hessen”, deployed in the Red Sea to protect merchant ships, repelled the first attack by the Houthi militia operating in Yemen. According to information from the German Press Agency, the ship involved in the EU military mission “Aspides” successfully combatted two enemy aerial targets on Tuesday. It was the first use of real weapons by the German Navy in what is considered the most dangerous naval mission in the history of the Bundeswehr.
The Houthi militia, an ally of Iran, wants to force an end to Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip, bombing merchant ships in the Red Sea. The Israeli military operation is a response to the Islamic Hamas terrorist attack on October 7.
Protecting an important trade route
The sea route through the Red Sea and the Suez Canal is one of the most important trade routes in the world. Due to attacks by the Houthi, who are armed by Iran, major shipping companies are increasingly avoiding the shorter sea link between Asia and Europe – with significant effects on the global economy.
On Friday, the Bundestag approved German participation in the EU mission “Aspides”. The “Hessen” had already departed Wilhelmshaven towards the operational area with the aim of being able to begin complying with the order immediately after the Bundestag's decision. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said the operation would help stabilize the region. Pistorius: “But we must also be clear: the “Hesse” operation is one of the most dangerous for the German Navy in decades.”
Houthi militia wants to expand attacks
Last week, the Houthi militia said it wanted to expand attacks on merchant ships off the country's coast. The group's leader, Abdel-Malik al-Houthi, said in a televised speech that he trusts the escalation as 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 Britain, are involved in operations to combat the attacks. (APA/dpa)