Germany in talks with EU partners for Red Sea maritime mission

Germany and its EU partners are examining whether they could mount a new maritime mission to protect commercial vessels under threat of attack in the Red Sea, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Thursday.

Concerns eased about shipping disruptions along the Red Sea route, even as tensions in the Middle East fester.

“We, as the German government, are ready for this. It is important that we, as the EU, can act as quickly as possible given the ongoing attacks,” the spokesperson said, adding that a decision on the matter had not yet been taken.

The Houthis have attacked or seized a dozen ships with missiles and drones since Nov. 19.

The US has spearheaded a new maritime force, Operation Prosperity Guardian, to respond to the attacks.

Germany is continuing to examine the question of possible participation in the US-led mission, added the spokesperson.

In its latest response to attacks, the US sanctioned an individual and three currency exchange houses that it accused of facilitating the flow of Iranian financial assistance to the Houthis.

The action “underscores our resolve to restrict the illicit flow of funds to the Houthis, who continue to conduct dangerous attacks on international shipping and risk further destabilizing the region,” Treasury Undersecretary Brian Nelson said in the statement.

Sources in the logistics industry said the Suez Canal situation remains fast-changing.