A German warship has completed its mission to protect commercial vessels from Houthi militants in Yemen and departed the Red Sea early this morning, Saturday.
The vessel was part of the “Aspides” maritime defense mission of the European Union, which was deployed in the Red Sea in February to safeguard commercial ships from attacks by militants in Yemen, who have declared their support for the Palestinians in Gaza.
The Red Sea leads to the Suez Canal, a critical maritime route linking Asia and Europe. The Houthi militants allied with Iran demand an end to the Israeli military operation in the Gaza Strip.
The German military stated that the ship, with a crew of 240, completed its mission at 5:50 AM (0350 GMT) and has left the operational area.
Following the outbreak of the Gaza war on October 7, the Houthi militants in Yemen escalated their attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea, significantly impacting international shipping and trade. These attacks have raised global concerns about the security of one of the world’s busiest maritime routes, which is crucial for connecting Europe and Asia.
The international community, particularly countries affected by the disruptions, has reacted strongly. The United Nations Security Council condemned the Houthi attacks in strong terms, emphasizing the threat they pose to global trade and regional stability. In response, a US-led coalition, including the UK and other nations, has been formed to counter these threats. This coalition has engaged in military strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen, aiming to deter further attacks and secure the vital shipping lanes.
The attacks prompted several countries to reroute their ships to avoid the high-risk areas, which has led to increased shipping costs and operational challenges. Despite these ongoing threats, the maritime industry continues to operate, adapting to the heightened risks associated with navigating the Red Sea during this turbulent period.
