Intel Says Russia Looking To Arm Houthis With Anti-Ship Missiles: Report
In a potential escalation of the conflict in the Middle East, Intel suggests that Russia is planning to equip the Houthi rebels in Yemen with anti-ship missiles, raising concerns about the impact on maritime security and stability in the region.
The report, which was first published in Reuters, cited anonymous sources suggesting that Moscow is seeking to upgrade the Houthis’ military capabilities as part of its efforts to increase its influence in the Middle East. The move has been seen as a significant escalation, as anti-ship missiles have the potential to threaten not just commercial vessels, but also naval ships operating in the region.
The Houthis, who have been fighting against the government of Yemen and its Arab coalition allies, have already received support from Iran, including arms and military trainers. However, the proposed transfer of advanced anti-ship missiles would be a significant shift in the balance of power in the conflict, and could have major implications for the regional security landscape.
Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and other Gulf Arab states have been vocal about their concerns about the proposed deal, seeing it as a threat to their national security. The US government has also expressed concerns, with a State Department spokesperson warning that any sale of advanced military equipment to the Houthis would be "deplorable" and "threaten the region’s stability".
In addition to the humanitarian concerns, the proposed sale of anti-ship missiles to the Houths also raises questions about the practical implications for commercial shipping and maritime operations in the region. The Gulf of Aden and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait are critical waterways for global trade, with millions of barrels of oil passing through them daily.
The potential threat posed by anti-ship missiles has already led several shipping companies to increase their security measures and reroute vessels to avoid these areas. If the Houthis were to receive such weapons, the risk to commercial shipping could increase further, leading to higher costs, delays, and potential disruptions to global supply chains.
Russia has traditionally been a significant player in the Middle East, with relationships with both Tehran and Riyadh. However, its increasing entanglement with the Houthis would be seen as a significant shift, highlighting the complex dynamics at play in the region.
While the proposed deal remains unconfirmed, the implications for regional stability and security are serious. It remains to be seen how the international community, including the US and Saudi Arabia, will respond to this development and how it will shape the future of the conflict in Yemen.
As the situation continues to evolve, one thing is clear: any transfer of advanced military equipment to the Houthis would have significant consequences for regional security, international trade, and the well-being of people living in the area.