2024-02-28 05:18:59
The ship “Hessen”, which is taking part in the EU military mission “Aspides”, successfully combats two enemy aircraft 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 from Yemen. According to information from the German Press Agency, the ship involved in the EU military mission “Aspides” successfully fought two enemy aircraft targets on Tuesday. It was the German Navy’s first use of live weapons in what is considered the most dangerous naval mission in the history of the Bundeswehr.
The Houthi militia, allied with Iran, wants to force an end to the Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip by shelling merchant ships in the Red Sea. The Israeli military operation is a response to the terrorist attack by the Islamist Hamas on October 7th.
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. Because of the attacks by the Houthi, who are armed by Iran, large shipping companies are increasingly avoiding the shortest sea connection 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 previously set off from Wilhelmshaven towards the operational area with the aim of being able to begin fulfilling the order immediately after the Bundestag decision. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said the operation would contribute to stabilizing the region. Pistorius: “But we must also be clear: the operation of the “Hesse” is one of the most dangerous for the German Navy in decades.”
Houthi militia wants to expand attacks
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