German Frigate Joins EU Mission in the Red Sea

Germany sent a powerful air defense frigate today, Thursday, to join the European Union's maritime mission in the Red Sea, set to begin in mid-February, to protect commercial ships from attacks by the Iranian-aligned Houthi movement in Yemen. German Navy Chief Vice Admiral Jan Christian Kaack stated, "Free maritime trade corridors are the foundation of our industry and our ability to defend ourselves." He added, "The current situation in the Red Sea is already causing supply disruptions and has forced some companies to halt production," noting that over 90 percent of total goods reach Europe and Germany by sea. Many shipping companies have diverted their ships to other routes following Houthi attacks, who control large areas of Yemen, claiming that their attacks are in solidarity with the Palestinians amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamic resistance movement (Hamas) in Gaza.