Russia Provides Satellite Data to Yemen's Houthis

Recent reports indicate that Yemen's Houthi rebels have received satellite targeting data from Russia to aid their missile and drone attacks on Western ships in the Red Sea. This assistance, facilitated through Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), has allowed the Houthis to significantly expand their operations since November 2023, coinciding with the escalation of the Israel-Hamas conflict. Analysts suggest that Russia's involvement is part of a broader strategy to destabilize the Middle East and divert attention from the conflict in Ukraine, thereby stretching U.S. military resources. The attacks have severely disrupted shipping routes, with container traffic in the Red Sea plummeting by 73% year-over-year, forcing many vessels to reroute around Africa. This shift has led to increased freight rates and extended shipping times, raising concerns within the global trade community. Despite requests for comments, neither the Russian government nor Houthi representatives have responded to inquiries regarding this situation.