Germany Approves Participation in EU Mission in the Red Sea

A spokesperson for the German government announced today, Friday, that "the government has agreed to deploy armed forces in a maritime mission for the European Union in the Red Sea to protect commercial vessels from attacks by the Iran-backed Houthi group." He stated during a press conference in Berlin that "the ongoing escalation of violence and threats to ships and their crews, especially in the southern Red Sea and the Bab el Mandeb Strait, requires a well-planned military operation." He further explained that "the parliament will receive a proposal for a mandate for the government that will last until the end of February 2025 and includes the deployment of up to 700 soldiers." Germany's participation remains contingent upon parliamentary approval. A vote is scheduled for next Friday, and the resolution is expected to pass.