Russian President Vladimir Putin is reportedly contemplating the possibility of supplying anti-ship ballistic cruise missiles to Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement, according to a senior U.S. official’s statement. The Houthis currently possess Russian-made P-800 Oniks missiles and are suspected of developing their own hypersonic missile capabilities.
William Usher, a former CIA analyst, highlighted potential increased military cooperation between Russia and Iran should tensions between Israel and Hezbollah escalate further. Usher commented, “There are indications that Russia is already considering how it might assist the Houthis.”
Also Read: White House Press Secretary Addresses Concerns Over President Biden’s Health
In response, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has purportedly advised Putin against sending additional missiles to the Houthis, underscoring regional concerns over potential escalation.
Yemen’s Houthi group announced on Tuesday a joint military operation with Iraq’s Islamic resistance, targeting a significant site in Israel’s Haifa. In a televised statement, Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree revealed that the operation involved the use of “a number of winged missiles,” although the specific target was not disclosed.
The Houthis have been actively launching drone and missile strikes in shipping lanes since November, stating these actions are in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.
Since November, the Houthi group has been conducting drone and missile strikes in shipping lanes, citing solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. These actions mark the Iran-aligned Houthis’ initial launch of such strikes in November.
