Russia’s Attempt to Arm Houthi Rebels in Yemen Thwarted by US-Saudi Diplomatic Efforts

Russia was reportedly preparing to supply missiles and other military equipment to the Houthi rebels in Yemen late last month. However, this plan was abruptly halted following a series of behind-the-scenes efforts led by the United States and Saudi Arabia.

According to sources cited by CNN, Saudi Arabia, which has been engaged in a prolonged conflict with the Iran-backed Houthis, warned Russia against providing military support to one of their most significant adversaries. The intervention came after learning of Moscow’s intentions.

The United States, having played a pivotal role in mediating a tenuous truce in 2022, also took steps to dissuade Russia. Washington urged Riyadh to leverage its influence to stop the arms transfer.

The US designated the Houthis as a global terrorist organisation in January, following a series of missile and drone attacks targeting commercial vessels in the Red Sea. These attacks resulted in the loss of several sailors’ lives and disrupted global trade.

Despite multiple rounds of sanctions and military strikes by the US on Houthi weaponry infrastructure, the rebels continue to pose a significant threat to maritime security in this crucial waterway.

A senior US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, refrained from discussing Russia’s specific plans to arm the Houthis. However, the official emphasised that any attempt by a third party to enhance the Houthis’ military capabilities would be counterproductive to the US’s goals of achieving a lasting peace in Yemen. Such actions would signal a lack of commitment from the Houthis to engage in meaningful peace negotiations.

The official also noted that the Houthis’ recent actions indicate a growing divergence from their commitments to peace talks.

It remains unclear whether Saudi Arabia’s reaction was the decisive factor in Russia’s decision to abandon the arms transfer or if other considerations influenced President Vladimir Putin’s decision-making.

According to the sources, Russian military advisors were deployed to Yemen to assist the Houthis in late July, despite the cessation of the planned arms delivery. US officials observed Russian naval vessels making an unusual stop in the southern Red Sea, where Russian personnel disembarked and were escorted by Houthi forces to Yemen. The officials noted that while the Russians carried bags, there was no evidence of weaponry or large equipment.

The presence of Russian military personnel coincided with an unusual announcement from the Houthis, warning mariners of potential dangers at sea. US intelligence suggested that the Houthis intended to conduct live-fire exercises during the Russians’ stay, but these plans were also reportedly abandoned.

The Houthis have intensified their attacks on vessels traversing the Red Sea since November 2023, prompting the US and the UK to launch several airstrikes targeting Houthi weapon facilities in Yemen. However, these actions appear to have had limited impact on the rebels’ arsenal. In June, there were indications that the Houthis might even be willing to sell some of their weaponry to the Somali militant group Al-Shabaab.

The Houthis are particularly in need of new radar systems, which have been a frequent target of US Central Command forces. The loss of these systems has weakened the Houthis’ ability to conduct missile strikes, but their continued attacks demonstrate the ongoing volatility in the region.