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The 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 engaged two enemy aircraft targets on Tuesday evening. It was the first use of edged weapons by the German navy during the operation that began on Friday and is considered the navy’s most dangerous mission in the history of the Bundeswehr.
The Houthi militia, allied with Iran, wants to end 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 7.
The sea route through the Red Sea and the Suez Canal is one of the most important trade routes in the world. Due to the attacks by the Houthis, who are armed by Iran, major shipping companies are increasingly avoiding the shortest sea link between Asia and Europe – with significant consequences for the global economy.
On Friday, the Bundestag approved Germany’s participation in the EU mission ‘Aspides’. The “Hessen” had previously left Wilhelmshaven for the operational area with the aim of starting the execution of the assignment immediately after the decision of the Bundestag. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said the operation would help stabilize the region. Pistorius: “But we must also be clear: the Hessian mission is one of the most dangerous for the German navy in decades.”
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 address that they are relying on escalation in 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 counter the attacks. The EU has also launched a military operation to protect merchant shipping in the Red Sea, in which Germany will participate with the frigate “Hessen”.
Source:Blick
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