2024-11-24 15:27:00
Russian armed forces have recruited hundreds of Yemenis to fight in Ukraine, reports the Financial Times. Moscow would also negotiate the supply of weapons to the Houthi rebels in the Red Sea.
A motley group of Yemeni mercenaries, mainly non-volunteerwere recruited for fight in Ukraineshows an investigation by the Financial Times. They explain that they went to Russia after being told promised a well-paid job and even Russian citizenship. Once they arrived in Russia with the help of a company linked to the Houthis, they were forcibly conscripted into the Russian army and sent to the front lines in Ukraine.
The Yemeni mercenaries say they went to Russia after being promised well-paid jobs. Once there, they were forcibly conscripted into the Russian army.
The conflict with Ukraine attracts more and more foreign soldiers as casualties mount and the Kremlin tries to avoid full mobilization, the newspaper explains. They include mercenaries from Nepal and India and some 12,000 troops from North Korea’s regular army who have arrived to take part in the fighting against Ukrainian forces in Russia’s Kursk province.
At least 200 fighters
At least 200 Yemeni fighters have reportedly traveled to Russia since July. It would be both trained soldiers and men with no experience of the fight. Some would not have suitable winter clothing. Several deaths and injuries among these Yemeni fighters have already been reported.
The episode shows that Russia strengthens ties with Iran and allied militant groups in the Middle East. Houthi rebels, backed by Tehran, disrupted global supply chains by attacking shipping in the Red Sea with missiles after the start of the Gaza war last October.
The recruitment of Yemeni soldiers appears to have started in July. The FT was able to see an enlistment contract dated July 3, and countersigned by the head of a soldier selection center in the city of Nizhnii Novgorod.
Russia would also negotiate the supply of weapons to the Houthisincluding anti-ship missiles, hoping to maintain pressure on the West.
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#Yemeni #mercenaries #recruited #fight #Ukraine
What methods are Russian forces using to recruit Yemeni mercenaries to fight in Ukraine?
**Interviewer:** Welcome to our program. Today, we are discussing a concerning development reported by the Financial Times: the recruitment of Yemeni mercenaries by Russian armed forces to fight in Ukraine. Joining us to shed some light on this situation is Maged Almadhaji, the head of the Sana’a Center for Strategic Studies. Thank you for being here, Maged.
**Maged Almadhaji:** Thank you for having me.
**Interviewer:** It has been reported that hundreds of Yemenis have been recruited by Russian forces under dubious circumstances. Can you tell us more about how this recruitment process works?
**Maged Almadhaji:** Absolutely. Many of these Yemeni mercenaries were lured to Russia with promises of well-paying jobs and, in some cases, even Russian citizenship. This recruitment is facilitated by companies linked to the Houthi movement, which have established connections with Russian authorities. Unfortunately, upon their arrival in Russia, these individuals are frequently forcibly conscripted into military service rather than receiving the promised opportunities [[1](https://hiiraan.com/news4/2024/Nov/199048/russia_recruits_yemeni_mercenaries_to_fight_in_ukraine.aspx)].
**Interviewer:** That sounds quite alarming. What are the implications of this recruitment for the ongoing conflict in Ukraine as well as for Yemen?
**Maged Almadhaji:** The implications are significant. This could contribute to Russia’s military efforts in Ukraine while simultaneously strengthening the Houthis’ ties with Russia, which could lead to further destabilization in the region. Moreover, it raises ethical questions about exploitation and the use of foreign mercenaries in conflict zones, which ultimately reflects poorly on international law and human rights standards.
**Interviewer:** There are also reports that Russia is negotiating the supply of weapons to the Houthis. How does this factor into the broader geopolitical landscape?
**Maged Almadhaji:** This is part of a larger strategy by Russia to assert its influence in the Middle East and counter U.S. interests in the region. By supporting the Houthis, Russia not only gains a foothold in the Red Sea route but also creates a proxy force that could challenge U.S. allies in the region, particularly Saudi Arabia. This interplay of military support and mercenary recruitment highlights the complexities of geopolitics in the era of proxy wars [[1](https://hiiraan.com/news4/2024/Nov/199048/russia_recruits_yemeni_mercenaries_to_fight_in_ukraine.aspx)].
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Maged, for your insights into this troubling situation. It is essential for the international community to stay informed and to respond appropriately to these developments.
**Maged Almadhaji:** Thank you for having me. It’s crucial that we continue to discuss and address these issues, as they affect not only the regions involved but global stability as well.
**Interviewer:** That was Maged Almadhaji from the Sana’a Center for Strategic Studies. Stay tuned for more analysis on this and other critical issues.
