Russia provides targeting information to Houthis, enabling attacks on Western vessels in Red Sea

Russia has provided targeting information to Yemen’s Houthi rebels, enabling the group to attack Western vessels in the Red Sea, according to the Wall Street Journal (WSJ). This information comes from an anonymous source and European military officials. Following the outbreak of the Gaza conflict last year, the Iran-backed Houthis initiated assaults on ships. Subsequently, the rebels were able to utilize Russian satellite data, which the WSJ reports was relayed to them through Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Neither the Russian government nor representatives of the Houthi rebels have commented on these allegations. The situation has led to significant disruptions in international trade, as many vessels are now avoiding the Red Sea due to Houthi attacks.

Experts suggest that Russia’s actions aim to increase instability not only in the Middle East but also in Asia, potentially diverting U.S. attention from Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine. Since November 2023, the Houthis have targeted more than 100 ships, resulting in two sinking and one vessel being hijacked.

These strikes have substantially impacted global trade, forcing ships to reroute around South Africa’s Cape of Good Hope to bypass the Red Sea. The United States remains concerned that Russia might further escalate the situation by supplying missiles to the Houthis.