On November 19, 2024, a U.S. State Department official expressed significant concerns regarding Russia's serious engagement with the Houthi movement, which is internationally classified as a terrorist organization. This statement was reported by Business Insider.

The official indicated that "Russian assistance will be a source of extreme concern," anticipating that Russia may provide support to the Iran-backed Houthis, who pose threats to key shipping routes. The official noted that the Houthis have long received extensive support from Iran, including weapons and training, relying on this assistance over the past year to carry out attacks against military and civilian vessels traversing major shipping lanes in the Middle East.

The U.S. has reportedly become increasingly worried in recent months that the Houthis could receive help from another state, specifically referencing Russia. U.S. Special Envoy for Yemen Tim Lenderking emphasized that "a rather dangerous level of cooperation is occurring" and expressed particular worry about the types of equipment that could enhance the Houthis' capability to target U.S. and allied ships more accurately.

According to Lenderking, the U.S. has discussed the situation at "high levels" with Saudi Arabia, a partner that has fought the Houthis for years, as well as with Russia. He acknowledged that U.S.-Russia relations have been fraught with tension since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Lenderking remarked that the U.S. has made efforts to convey messages to the Houthis, noting their apparent intent to strike U.S. and European warships that have been defending commercial vessels from ongoing attacks.

"The fact that the Russians may assist in this effort is sinister. It is a very serious concern," he stated.

Business Insider pointed out that the full extent of Russian support for the Houthis remains unclear, though some Western media reports suggest that Moscow has already supplied the rebels with targeting data and small arms, and was considering providing missiles—developments that could significantly escalate the conflict.

The report highlighted the increasing military ties between Russia and Iran since the onset of the Ukraine war, with Tehran supplying Moscow with lethal assistance, including missiles and drones, similar to what it has provided to the Houthis in previous years. Both countries have been isolated on the global stage due to their malign actions and involvement in Ukraine.

The Houthis have utilized their arsenal of missiles and drones over the past year to relentlessly attack military and civilian ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. U.S. forces in the region are frequently tasked with intercepting Houthi threats; for instance, last week, two U.S. Navy destroyers had to counter a complex missile and drone attack.

Additionally, the U.S. conducts routine airstrikes in Yemen targeting Houthi missile systems, weapon storage facilities, and other sensitive sites to mitigate their capacity to carry out attacks.