Russia 'aiding Houthi Red Sea attacks;' report

Russia has been accused of assisting Houthi rebels in Yemen in carrying out attacks on shipping in the Red Sea region.

A report in the Wall Street Journal says that Russia provided targeting data for the Houthis as they attacked ships with missiles and drones over the last few months in protest of the stance taken by Western countries on the conflict in Gaza and the loss of innocent civilian lives. It cites "a person familiar with the matter” and two anonymous European defence officials.

The disruption caused by the attacks has led to the largest diversion of international trade in decades, with ships being re-routed around the Cape of Good Hope off the coast of Africa rather than using the Suez Canal, and forced Western powers to build up their naval fleets in the region.

It has driven up shipping costs that may be passed on to consumers and created component and material shortages that could open up opportunities for groups engaging in illicit trade including counterfeiting.