Germany Approves Controversial Weapons Deliveries to Gulf Region

Germany's Federal Security Council authorized the export of fifteen German patrol boats to Saudi Arabia, as well as the delivery of two tanks to Qatar and Oman. The step is considered controversial, as Saudi Arabia is notorious for massive human rights violations, the German newspaper Die Welt reported.

Germany's Federal Security Council reportedly approved extensive arms exports to the Gulf region, causing criticism among the political opposition, Die Welt reported.

According to the newspaper, Germany allowed the export of fifteen German patrol boats to Saudi Arabia, the country notorious for massive human rights abuses. In addition, the oil-rich state is considered a breeding ground for international terrorism.

The opposition in Germany has repeatedly criticized arms contracts with Saudi Arabia, pointing to the fact that the military equipment may be used to suppress innocent civilians and calling for an immediate halt to all arms exports to Riyadh.

However, the Bundestag MPs argued that the country needs boats only for self-defense and that some of the vehicles are equipped with purely defensive weapons.

The Federal Security Council is also reported to have given the green light for the supply of two battle tanks to Qatar and Oman and approved arms exports to a number of other countries such as Egypt, Algeria and the United Arab Emirates.