Russia Recruits Hundreds of Yemeni Houthi Fighters for War Against Ukraine, FT Reports

Russia has reportedly enlisted hundreds of Yemeni Houthi fighters to participate in the ongoing war against Ukraine, according to Financial Times.

These recruits were brought to Russia through a covert human trafficking operation, where they were promised high-paying jobs and Russian citizenship. However, upon arrival in Russia, they were forcibly conscripted into the Russian military and sent to the frontlines in Ukraine.

Yemeni men who traveled to Russia under the promise of lucrative employment shared their experiences with Financial Times.

They disclosed that they were coerced into military service upon arrival, despite initially being enticed with promises of security and engineering roles. One recruit mentioned that he, along with a group of around 200 other Yemeni men, was conscripted into the Russian army in September.

Analysts have pointed out that the involvement of Yemeni mercenaries reflects Russia’s increasing reliance on foreign fighters, underscoring the country’s efforts to avoid full mobilization within its own borders.

The recruitment of Yemeni fighters also illustrates the deepening ties between Russia and Iran, which has been a significant player in supporting the Houthis in Yemen. American diplomats have noted that this cooperation marks a significant shift in Russia’s strategic approach, showing its readiness to extend the war to new regions, including the Middle East.

Financial Times reports that the recruitment began as early as July, with one contract signed by a recruitment officer from Nizhny Novgorod, Russia.

The contracts, signed by the Yemeni recruits, listed a company founded by Houthi politician Abdulwali Abdo Hassan al-Jabri, which was registered in Oman. The company is officially described as a tour operator and a supplier of medical equipment and pharmaceuticals, but it appears to serve as a front for the recruitment operation.

The Russian government’s reliance on foreign fighters is part of a broader strategy to supplement its military ranks. In addition to Yemen, there have been reports of mercenaries from countries such as Nepal, India, and up to 12,000 soldiers from North Korea being involved in the war.