According to information published by Business Insider on July 20, 2024, Russia is considering supplying Yemen’s Houthi rebels with advanced anti-ship missiles. This potential move is believed to be in response to President Biden’s approval of Ukraine’s use of US-supplied weapons on Russian soil.
Reports indicate that Saudi Arabia previously convinced Russia not to provide the Houthis with such missiles, but recent intelligence suggests Moscow is reconsidering its stance. The US hopes to deter this action by using a third country as an intermediary.
Russia has previously condemned US and UK strikes against the Iran-backed Houthis, who have targeted Red Sea shipping as part of a broader campaign affecting the region. The Houthis have attacked commercial and naval vessels multiple times since October, intensifying pressure on Israel and the West amidst the Gaza conflict.
From October to May, the Houthis carried out at least 53 attacks on commercial ships and threatened naval vessels in numerous incidents. The US, in response, has conducted several strikes against Houthi targets, with the Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group firing over 500 munitions. Despite these efforts, concerns remain that the US response is insufficient.
The Houthis have possessed anti-ship missiles since they seized northern Yemen in 2014-2015, including the Soviet-era P-21 and P-22, and the Chinese C-801. It remains uncertain how many of these missiles are still operational, but recent acquisitions suggest they have obtained more advanced equipment.