US says Russia is discussing weapon transfers with Yemen’s Houthis

The United States has accused Russia of discussing weapon transfers with Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi militia whose attacks on Red Sea shipping are holding hostage a vital commercial waterway.

Speaking to AFP on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, US Special Envoy for Yemen Tim Lenderking said Moscow was “cutting its own deals” with the Houthis to allow their ships to sail through the Red Sea unharmed.

“We have confirmation that the Russians and the Houthis are in dialogue about ways to cooperate,” including on weapon transfers, Lenderking said Wednesday.