Russia's secret missile talks with Houthis raise Red Sea tensions
Russia, through Iran, is conducting secret negotiations with Yemeni Houthi rebels regarding the transfer of advanced anti-ship missiles, reports Reuters, citing its sources. The discussion involves dozens of supersonic Yakhont missiles, also known as P-800 Oniks.
The agency cites information from as many as seven informants. Russia has not yet decided on the missile transfer, which - according to experts - would enable the militants to more accurately attack commercial ships in the Red Sea, increasing the threat to American and European warships protecting them.
Iran as an intermediary
The cooperation confirms the deepening ties between Tehran and Moscow. In July, the Wall Street Journal reported that Russia was considering sending the missiles. The role of Iran as an intermediary had not previously been reported.
Since November last year, the Houthis have launched numerous drone and missile attacks on ships navigating the key waterways of the Red Sea. Militants have been showing support for Palestinians fighting against Israel in this manner.
The Yemeni movement has sunk at least two ships and seized one more, disrupting global maritime trade, forcing shipping companies to reroute shipments, and - according to industry sources - increasing insurance costs for ships operating in the Red Sea.
In response, the United States and the United Kingdom attacked Houthi positions, but they have been unsuccessful in stopping the group’s attacks. As Reuters reminds us, Yakhont missiles are considered some of the most advanced anti-ship missiles in the world. They fly just above the surface at supersonic speeds, making them very difficult to intercept.
"Russian crew" and "Russians on board"
Meanwhile, according to Bloomberg, so far the rebels have attacked most commercial ships carrying primarily Russian goods. At the beginning of the year, they promised not to attack Russian and Chinese ships. However, of the 83 ships affected by attacks in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden since November last year, 19% departed from Russian ports. All ships attacked by the militants were tankers and container ships.
As Bloomberg explains, the Houthis did not fire at ships flying the Russian flag but attacked ships with sailors who were citizens of the Russian Federation. Moreover, before the attacks, many ships transmitted satellite signals indicating "Russian crew" and "Russians on board."
