The federal government wants to take part in the operation against the Houthi attacks in the Red Sea. But the search for the mandate and ship takes time, and there is also a lack of personnel and ammunition.

SSince mid-October last year, Houthi troops have been attacking shipping in the Red Sea. Merchant ships from several large shipping companies were hit by missiles or drones and hijackings occurred. World trade is significantly disrupted by the attacks and shipping companies avoid sailing through the area. While the USA, Great Britain and several other countries have been fending off attacks since November as part of Operation “Prosperity Guardian” and also attacking Iranian-financed Houthi positions, the European Union (EU) has so far remained inactive.

At the end of December, an attempt to send warships to the region on behalf of the existing Atalanta anti-piracy mission failed due to Spain's veto. Then came the Christmas holidays, and on Monday of this week there was an agreement in principle on a defensive mission, which is to be fleshed out on February 19th at the next meeting of the EU foreign ministers. Before the Bundestag could decide on an operation and issue the necessary mandate, three months of everyday attacks would have passed.