According to information provided by Middle East Eye (MEE), Russian military consultants have been sent to Yemen to assist the Iran-backed Houthis. It is noted that this data was obtained from a senior American official, who preferred to remain anonymous and referred to US intelligence.

The exact role of the Russian military in Yemen remains unclear, but the source said GRU officers have been operating in the region for several months advising the Houthis. The Houthis say their actions are a show of solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

Earlier in June, MEE reported that Russian President Vladimir Putin was considering supplying the Houthis with modern anti-ship cruise missiles. However, he was reportedly dissuaded from this step by the direct intervention of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.