Moscow: Russia is reportedly contemplating the supply of advanced anti-ship missiles to Houthi rebels in Yemen, according to Ziare and confirmed by American intelligence agencies.
This potential move is perceived as a response to President Joe Biden’s covert approval allowing Ukraine to deploy US-supplied weapons on Russian territory.
Eyes on the Middle East
Middle East Eye had previously reported that Saudi Arabia had successfully persuaded Russia to withhold anti-ship cruise missiles from the Houthi rebels. However, US officials now believe Moscow is rekindling efforts to arm the rebels. The White House is working through a third country to deter Russia from delivering these weapons, as per anonymous US sources.
Russia has vocally criticized US and UK strikes against Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, which were a reaction to militant attacks on vessels in the Red Sea. Since October, the Houthi rebels have targeted commercial ships in the region with missiles and drones, aiming to exert pressure on Israel and the West over the Gaza conflict.
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Surge in Attacks
Between October 17 and early May, the Houthis launched at least 53 attacks on commercial ships and threatened military vessels in multiple incidents, according to the Congressional Research Service. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov condemned the US and UK retaliatory strikes in January, calling them “illegitimate” under international law.
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As of May, the Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group has fired over 500 munitions at Houthi drones, missiles, and targets in Yemen. Recently, Israel targeted the Yemeni port of Al Hodeida in the Red Sea following Houthi missile strikes on the Israeli city of Eilat.
