Russia has been providing satellite intelligence to Yemen’s Houthi rebels to assist in their attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea, according to a Wall Street Journal report citing European defense ministry sources.
The report indicates that the satellite data was transmitted to the Houthis through Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), enabling the militants to “expand the scope of their strikes.”
The revelation comes amid ongoing tensions in the Red Sea, where Houthi forces have been conducting attacks on commercial shipping since 2023. The attacks began in response to Israel’s military operations in Gaza. Since November 2023, Houthi militants have attacked more than 100 vessels. Two ships have been sunk, and one was captured in these attacks.
Previous reports indicated Russia has also been in negotiations with the Houthis regarding weapons supplies. According to CNN, this weapons transfer was allegedly halted following intensive diplomatic intervention by the United States and Saudi Arabia.
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