Speech by Foreign Minister Wadephul in the German Bundestag during its examination of the Federal Government’s motion to continue the participation of German armed forces in the European Union´s Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) OPERATION ASPIDES

The Houthis and Iran are taking the freedom of navigation hostage.  Around 12 percent of global maritime trade normally passes through the Bab al-Mandab strait alone. This includes oil, gas, fertilisers and container ships, which transport everyday goods and humanitarian supplies. Since the end of July, the Houthis have carried out a series of attacks against civilian vessels. By taking control of the entire Red Sea coast of Yemen, in particular the port city of Mocha and the island of Perim, they can now attack ships passing through the Bab al-Mandab strait with even greater ease.  As you all know, the situation on the ground is evolving as we speak. But it’s clear that if the Houthis were to close the Bab al-Mandab strait, this, combined with Iran’s attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, would put two chokepoints of international trade at risk at the same time. It’s therefore immaterial that the Houthis claim that their primary aim is to blockade Saudi maritime traffic. Attacks on civilian merchant ships contravene international law and endanger global trade routes that are of great importance to Europe and Germany; they also heighten the risk for everyone...