Russia Plans to Arm Houthis in Yemen in Response to Ukraine Support
US intelligence agencies have warned that Russia may arm Houthi militias in Yemen with advanced anti-ship missiles in response to the Biden administration’s support for Ukrainian strikes inside Russia with US weapons.
The new intelligence comes as the top US commander in the Middle East recently advised in a secret letter to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin that military operations in the region are “failing” to deter Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea and that a broader approach is needed, according to US officials who told the Wall Street Journal.
Secret Campaign to Prevent Arming the Houthis
The White House has launched a secret campaign to try to prevent Moscow from delivering missiles to the Iranian-backed Houthis, who have been attacking ships in the Red Sea for eight months in a show of solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.
The administration has also made a diplomatic effort by trying to persuade Russian President Vladimir Putin not to join Iran in providing weapons to the Houthis, according to US officials.
The intelligence that Moscow may be planning to provide military support in Yemen and warnings from Gen. Eric Kurilla, the head of U.S. Central Command, have raised questions about whether the White House is doing enough to stop militia attacks on waterways.
An administration official said he has asked Central Command to prepare a broader list of potential targets, including specific armed actors for possible strikes.
Protecting commercial vessels
Still, some U.S. officials say more could have been done to better protect commercial shipping, including by striking larger weapons storage facilities, targeting Houthi leaders and choosing more strategic targets.
A decision by Moscow to arm the Houthis would represent an escalation in its confrontation with Washington over the conflict in Ukraine, according to the newspaper.
Moscow has already raised deep concerns among U.S. officials by deepening ties with North Korea and Iran and securing Chinese help in bolstering Russia’s defense industry.
Some analysts believe the Russians may be threatening to send anti-ship missiles to dissuade the administration from taking additional steps to help Kyiv, such as allowing Ukrainian forces to use the U.S.-supplied Army Tactical Missile System, or ATACMS, against airfields on Russian territory.
