Houthis Vow Not To Target Russian, Chinese Ships

The Iran-backed Houthis have allegedly vowed not to attack vessels belonging to Russia and China in the Red Sea and Gulf of Eden after crisis talks in Oman amid the maritime blockade.

Bloomberg reported that Russian and Chinese diplomats met with Mohammed Abdul-Salam, a senior Houthi official and the group’s spokesperson.

It is believed that a deal has been made whereby Moscow and Beijing may provide the group with political support, which according to Bloomberg can include “blocking more resolutions” against the Yemeni terror group in the UN Security Council.

Leeway would be given to China and Russia as key allies of Tehran amidst global sanctions.

The Red Sea blockade has massively impacted global trade and logistics and Tehran will be keen to keep its two major allies onside while the blockade, initiated in November on the orders of the Supreme Leader, continues.

The talks follow recent naval drills between Iran, China and Russia as ties between the three pariah states deepen militarily and economically.

Yemen's Houthis launched their campaign to attack international vessels to initiate a blockade of Israel which has launched a relentless retaliatory attack on Gaza since Iran-backed Hamas militia invaded Israel on October 7, killing 1,200 mostly civilians and taking more than 250 more hostage. 

However, not only Israeli vessels have come under fire, with international shipping falling victim to the attacks. In March, a Houthi missile attack killed three seafarers on a Greek-owned, Barbados-flagged ship in the Red Sea, the first fatalities since the start of the blockade.

On Thursday, a gun-fight broke out when gunmen attacked a merchant vessel in the Red Sea.