Viktor Bout Negotiates Arms Sale to Houthis

Viktor Bout, the notorious Russian arms dealer known as the 'Merchant of Death,' is reportedly attempting to broker a $10 million arms deal with the Iran-backed Houthi militants in Yemen, just two years after his high-profile release from U.S. custody in a swap for basketball star Brittney Griner. Following his release, Bout initially engaged in politics by joining a pro-Kremlin party but has since returned to arms dealing, meeting with Houthi representatives in Moscow. The potential deal involves the sale of small arms, specifically AK-74s, with deliveries possibly starting under the guise of food supply shipments. U.S. officials have expressed concern that Russia may escalate its support for the Houthis amid ongoing tensions in the region, especially in light of the Houthis' recent attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea. Both Bout and Kremlin officials have dismissed reports of the arms negotiations as unfounded. The situation highlights Russia's growing ties with Iran and its allies in the Middle East, raising alarm in Washington regarding the implications for regional stability.