Viktor Bout in Talks to Supply Arms to Yemen’s Houthi Rebels Amid Growing Tensions
Notorious Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout is reportedly negotiating with Yemen’s Houthi rebels to supply them with automatic rifles, according to Western officials. The Houthi movement, backed by Iran, has been involved in attacks on commercial shipping, including sinking vessels and targeting US military assets.
Bout, known for arms smuggling in the 1990s and 2000s, was implicated in fueling conflicts across Africa and the Middle East. Despite denying these activities, he was arrested in 2008 in a sting operation by US authorities for attempting to sell weapons to Colombian terrorists.
He was sentenced to 25 years in prison but was released after 10 years in a prisoner exchange with Russia. Since his return, Bout has taken a political role in Russia.
Reports suggest Bout’s current negotiations with the Houthis are likely sanctioned by the Kremlin due to the sensitive nature of the arms deal. The US government has also warned of separate talks between Russia and the Houthis regarding advanced missile systems, which could escalate attacks on US forces if tensions between the US and Russia over Ukraine worsen. Both Bout and the Russian government deny any plans to arm the Houthis, though Bout recently expressed admiration for the group’s resilience.