Russia may supply advanced weapons to Huthis in Yemen

Yemen, a country embroiled in civil war since 2014, has seen the Huthi rebels engage in missile and drone attacks that threaten crucial global shipping routes in the Red Sea. In response to the conflict, Russia has been deepening ties with the Huthis, who are recognized by the U.S. as a terrorist organization and backed by Iran. This cooperation includes the sharing of intelligence, with Russia reportedly providing satellite data to help the rebels target commercial shipping effectively. Experts suggest that the Kremlin's activities are part of a strategy to bolster anti-Western movements while also sending a message to the United States regarding its support for Ukraine. In recent months, allegations have surfaced about the possibility of Russia supplying the Huthis with advanced weaponry, especially as the U.S. has allowed Ukraine greater flexibility in using American-supplied arms. Kenneth Katzman, a former senior Middle East analyst for the U.S. Congress, highlights that Russia's interest in arming the Huthis is a direct response to perceived American escalation against Russia. This potential transfer of arms could significantly elevate the level of conflict in the Red Sea, particularly if the Huthis are enabled to strike not just commercial vessels but also military targets belonging to the U.S. and its allies. The situation is further complex as the Huthis have leveraged their relationship with Russia to diminish their reliance on Iran for support. By receiving Russian intelligence, they have become more calculated in their operations, finding new capabilities to challenge Western naval presence in the region. Moscow's interest in recruiting fighters from Yemen for the ongoing conflict in Ukraine also underscores a multifaceted strategy where the Huthis serve a dual purpose. This encompasses both regional instability aimed at Western interests and bolstering Russian activities in the Middle East, suggesting a methodical extension of influence. Analysts note that the Kremlin seeks to foster relationships that can disrupt Western operations anywhere and reinforce its narrative of opposing American influence globally. Russia's active support for the Huthis aligns with its allegations against the West while offering them an avenue to contribute to the conflict in Ukraine indirectly. The potential for an escalation in the Red Sea serves as a reminder of how interconnected global conflicts have become in the backdrop of geo-political tensions, with repercussions that could resonate far beyond Yemen's borders.