BERLIN 

Germany is examining military options and legal aspects for joining a US-led naval force to protect ships transiting the Red Sea, a government spokesman said on Wednesday. 

Speaking at a press briefing in Berlin, Steffen Hebestreit said attacks targeting civilian ships and disruptions to maritime trade in the Red Sea are not acceptable.

“We are now examining whether there is an option for Germany to participate in this mission,” Hebestreit said, adding that deliberations were ongoing on legal framework, logistical issues and military options.

“The German army is a parliamentary army. That means a mandate from the parliament is needed to participate in such a mission. The final decision will be taken by the parliament,” he said.

At the same briefing, Foreign Ministry spokesman Christian Wagner said currently talks were underway among NATO allies and European partners.

“We are in discussions with our European and US partners on the subject of how to thwart these attacks, and this includes the possible participation in this operation,” he said.

“But internal deliberations are currently underway. At this stage, I cannot speculate about the possible outcome,” the spokesman added.

According to a report by the public broadcaster ARD, the German government awaits a decision from the EU or NATO on the mission to clear the legal hurdles.

The possible deployment of German naval forces in the Red Sea requires a parliamentary mandate, and for this to happen, the mission has to run under the umbrella of the UN, NATO or the EU, the broadcaster reported.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced earlier this week the creation of a multinational naval task force to counter Houthi attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea.

According to the US announcement, so far NATO nations the UK, Canada, France, Italy, Norway, and the Netherlands pledged support for the Operation Prosperity Guardian to defend merchant ships transiting between Asia and Europe.