Russia has reportedly recruited hundreds of Yemeni nationals to bolster its military ranks, reflecting deepening cooperation between Moscow, Tehran, and the Iran-backed Houthi movement in Yemen.
According to a report by the Financial Times on November 24, intermediaries linked to the Houthis began recruiting Yemeni men as early as July 2024, luring them with promises of lucrative jobs in “security” and “engineering” fields, as well as the prospect of Russian citizenship.
Instead of fulfilling these promises, Russian authorities allegedly conscripted the Yemeni recruits into the Russian military upon their arrival. The report claims these largely inexperienced individuals were sent to fight in the ongoing war, further highlighting Russia’s reliance on unconventional recruitment to address battlefield losses and personnel shortages.
READ: U.S. Intelligence Warns Companies Of Russian Sabotage Threats Amid Ukraine Conflict
The Financial Times also highlighted growing ties between the Kremlin and the Houthi movement. U.S. Special Envoy for Yemen Tim Lenderking confirmed that Russia is actively engaging with the Houthis, including discussions about weapons transfers. This aligns with assessments by the Critical Threats Project and the Institute for the Study of War (CTP-ISW), which suggest Russia’s outreach to the Houthis is part of a broader strategy to leverage its partnership with Iran to sustain its war effort in Ukraine.
Russia has increasingly turned to migrants and foreign nationals to fill its military ranks, a strategy aimed at avoiding another partial reserve mobilization domestically. The Kremlin’s efforts to enlist Yemeni nationals and other foreign recruits underscore the pressures Russia faces as it seeks to replenish its forces amid significant battlefield losses.
READ: Ukraine Launches Successful Combined Strike On Russian Military Assets Using Drones, Western Weapons
The enhanced cooperation between Russia, Iran, and the Houthis signals a strengthening axis that could have broader implications for regional and global security. Iran’s support for Russia’s military efforts in Ukraine and its ties to the Houthis further complicate an already volatile geopolitical landscape.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Android Users: Download our free app to stay up-to-date on the latest news.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.