Russia Helped Houthis Target Ships in the Red Sea

Russia provided targeting data for the Iran-backed Houthi rebels who attacked ships in the Red Sea earlier this year, the Wall Street Journal reported on October 25, citing European officials.

Russia gave satellite data to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which then passed it on to its allies, the Houthis. This allowed the terrorist group to expand and better coordinate attacks.

Draining U.S. resources: By stoking the conflict in the Middle East, Russia draws America’s attention and resources away from the threat it presents to the West. By April last year, the United States had already spent some $1 billion on munitions to counterattack the Houthis and protect shipping in the Red Sea.

For Russia, any flare-up anywhere is good news, because it takes the world’s attention further away from Ukraine and the U.S. needs to commit resources—Patriot systems or artillery shells. And with the Middle East in play, it’s clear where the U.S. will choose.
—Alexander Gebuev, director of Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center

Watch Europe: The Iran-Russia partnership has been especially threatening to Europe. Amid Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine, concerns over America’s reliability as an ally, and Iran threatening to shut down a crucial sea passage, watch for Europe to take decisive action—especially against Iran.

Learn more: Read “An Alliance of Evil.”