Russia’s military intelligence officers are reportedly working secretly in Yemen, helping the Iran-backed Houthi rebels target commercial ships in the Red Sea. This covert support is part of a larger strategy that might involve supplying advanced weaponry, though Russia has so far held back due to Saudi pressure. The Houthis, who have ramped up attacks on ships since the recent conflict in Gaza, are now receiving Russian assistance to improve their targeting and disrupt global shipping. This move adds another layer to the complex web of international tensions, with the potential to escalate conflicts in the region and challenge U.S. interests.
Russian Agents in Yemen
It seems that Russian military spies have been sent to Yemen to help a group called the Houthis, who are backed by Iran. These spies, part of a secretive Russian unit known as the GRU, are reportedly advising the Houthis on how to target commercial ships in the Red Sea.
A senior U.S. official, speaking privately, revealed this to the Middle East Eye. They said that the Russians have been in Yemen for a few months now, but their exact activities remain unclear. The Houthis claim their attacks on ships are in support of Palestinians in Gaza.
Russia has been considering how to support the Houthis more directly. There were even talks about sending advanced anti-ship missiles, but Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman convinced Russia to hold off on that idea.
According to the Wall Street Journal, the U.S. worries that Russia might still try to arm the Houthis. Some experts think sending advisors could be the first step towards more significant support. The U.S. is concerned that Russia might use this as a bargaining chip to pressure the U.S. over Ukraine.
The U.S. has started bombing the Houthis since January, but this hasn’t stopped their attacks. While Houthis say they’re targeting specific nations, like those linked to Russia, they’ve still hit ships carrying Russian cargo. This shows the Houthis are struggling with the complexities of global shipping.
According to the state-run TASS, the Pacific Fleet of the Russian Navy has confirmed that Russian warships have entered the Red Sea following isolated incidents of some Chinese and Russian vessels being attacked by Houthis.
The Houthis’ missile and drone attacks on ships began after the recent Hamas attacks on Israel, which they claim were in retaliation for Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Russian involvement in the region is not new. Russia has a history of sending troops and mercenaries to various countries in the Middle East. Putin might want to see how the Houthis are operating to avoid hitting Russian ships by mistake.
In summary, the presence of Russian advisors in Yemen adds a new layer to the already tense situation in the Red Sea, with potential implications for global shipping and regional power dynamics.
