Germany urges swift EU agreement on Red Sea mission
Germany is urging the European Union (EU) to swiftly reach an agreement on a mission aimed at protecting the bloc's commercial ships in the Red Sea from potential attacks by Yemen's Houthi group.
During a joint news conference with newly-appointed French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne in Berlin, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock emphasized the significance of a military operation in the Red Sea.
Baerbock highlighted the crucial role of the EU in executing the mission and stated that discussions are currently 'ongoing at the EU level, and we hope to reach a conclusion quickly.' She further mentioned that the German government is actively participating in the negotiations.
The renewed airstrikes by the US on the Yemeni capital, Sanaa, on Saturday, following attacks carried out by Washington and London against Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen, have heightened concerns about the security of commercial shipping in the Red Sea.
In response to the attacks on Friday, which resulted in five deaths and six injuries among the Houthis, the group declared all American and British interests as 'legitimate targets' for its forces, citing 'direct and declared aggression' against Yemen.
Notably, the Houthis have been targeting cargo ships in the Red Sea owned or operated by Israeli companies or involved in transporting goods to and from Israel. This action is said to be in solidarity with Gaza, which has been under Israeli onslaught since October 7.
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