Saturday, December 14, 2024

Russia’s Recruitment Crisis: Yemenis Sent to Frontlines with Promises of Russian Citizenship

On the 22nd, former Russian reservists patrol the streets in Korenevo, Kursk Oblast, Russia. / EPA Yonhap News
On November 22, former Russian reservists patrol the streets in Korenevo, Kursk Oblast, Russia. / EPA Yonhap News

Amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Russia, facing severe manpower shortages, has reportedly turned to Yemen for additional troops. This follows similar recruitment efforts in North Korea. Yemenis are said to be traveling to Russia through Houthi rebel networks. They are enticed by promises of high-paying jobs and the possibility of Russian citizenship in exchange for fighting on the front lines.

On Sunday, the Financial Times cited sources who stated that Russia had recruited hundreds of Yemenis to deploy them to the Ukrainian front. These Yemenis, who have been embroiled in civil war since 2014, reportedly arrived in Russia with assistance from companies related to Houthi rebels. In return, they were promised high wages, employment opportunities, and Russian citizenship.

Following its February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Russia issued a partial mobilization order in September 2022, drafting 300,000 reservists. However, it has refrained from further mobilization orders. Despite severe manpower depletion as the conflict in Ukraine persists, Russia is avoiding forced conscription and has been cautious about stoking anti-war sentiment within the country. On October 28, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated, “The deployment of North Korean troops to Kursk is also a sign of Putin’s growing desperation. Over 600,000 Russian soldiers have been killed or wounded in Putin’s war, and he is unable to sustain his assault on Ukraine without foreign support.” The Financial Times also reported that North Korea dispatched approximately 12,000 troops to Russia last month, adding that mercenaries from Nepal and India are also engaged in combat against Ukrainian forces.

U.S. Special Envoy for Yemen Tim Lenderking revealed that while Russia has not disclosed specifics, it is actively engaging with Houthi rebels and discussing arms transfers. The Houthis, aligned with Iran against the U.S. and Israel, are increasingly gravitating towards Russia, which shares their anti-U.S. stance. Lenderking warned, “The kinds of weapons that are being discussed are very alarming and would enable the Houthis to better target ships in the Red Sea and possibly beyond.”

Maged Almadhaji, the head of the Sana’a Center for Strategic Studies, a Yemen-focused think-tank, explained that Russia is seeking alliances with “any group in the Red Sea, or in the Middle East, that is hostile to the US.” He claimed that the Houthis have organized mercenaries to strengthen ties with Russia. Mohammed al Bukhaiti, a member of the Houthi Political Bureau, told the Russian news website Meduza earlier this month that they are in constant communication with the Russian leadership to develop comprehensive relations across political, economic, and military domains.

Farea Al-Muslimi, a Middle East and North Africa researcher at the British think tank Chatham House, highlighted that most Yemeni mercenaries lack proper military training. “Russia is desperate for manpower, and the Houthis are actively recruiting,” he stated. “Yemen’s extreme poverty makes recruitment alarmingly easy.”

The Financial Times, which has been in contact with Russian-linked Yemeni mercenaries, revealed disturbing details about the recruitment process. Some Yemenis reportedly signed enlistment contracts without being able to read them. In contrast, others claim they came to Russia thinking of working at a factory only to be forcibly conscripted into the military.

On the 22nd, citizens in the Yemeni capital Sana\'a burned Israeli and American flags in protest. / AFP Yonhap News
On November 22, citizens in the Yemeni capital, Sana’a, burned Israeli and American flags in protest. / AFP Yonhap News

Hot this week

America’s Secret Weapon? Pentagon Bets Big on AI for National Security

The Pentagon has launched the AI Rapid Capabilities Cell to enhance AI adoption for military and non-combat applications, allocating $100M.

U.S. Defense Department Urges Calm as South Korea Faces Impeachment Drama

The U.S. emphasizes support for South Korea amid its impeachment crisis, ensuring continued dialogue and cooperation to deter North Korea.

Inflation Woes: November CPI Sees Slight Uptick, Leaving Consumers on Edge

U.S. CPI rose 2.7% year-over-year in November, signaling inflation challenges for the Federal Reserve amid resilient consumer spending.

Nasdaq Shatters Records with 20,000 Milestone—What’s Next for Investors?

The Nasdaq index surpassed 20,000 for the first time, driven by positive CPI data and gains from tech giants like Tesla and Nvidia.

TSMC Founder Calls Out Samsung and Intel: ‘They’re Falling Behind!’

Morris Chang critiques Samsung's tech issues and Intel's strategy missteps, highlighting TSMC's dominance in the semiconductor industry.

Topics

America’s Secret Weapon? Pentagon Bets Big on AI for National Security

The Pentagon has launched the AI Rapid Capabilities Cell to enhance AI adoption for military and non-combat applications, allocating $100M.

U.S. Defense Department Urges Calm as South Korea Faces Impeachment Drama

The U.S. emphasizes support for South Korea amid its impeachment crisis, ensuring continued dialogue and cooperation to deter North Korea.

Inflation Woes: November CPI Sees Slight Uptick, Leaving Consumers on Edge

U.S. CPI rose 2.7% year-over-year in November, signaling inflation challenges for the Federal Reserve amid resilient consumer spending.

Nasdaq Shatters Records with 20,000 Milestone—What’s Next for Investors?

The Nasdaq index surpassed 20,000 for the first time, driven by positive CPI data and gains from tech giants like Tesla and Nvidia.

TSMC Founder Calls Out Samsung and Intel: ‘They’re Falling Behind!’

Morris Chang critiques Samsung's tech issues and Intel's strategy missteps, highlighting TSMC's dominance in the semiconductor industry.

Snack Attack: How Your Favorite Processed Treats Could Lead to Cancer

A study shows ultra-processed foods increase colorectal cancer risk by suppressing the immune system and promoting inflammation.

Is Luigi Mangione a Murderer or a Martyr? Public’s Mixed Reactions to the UHC CEO’s Death

Luigi Mangione, arrested for the murder of UHC CEO, is seen as a hero by some due to his critical views on insurance companies.

Trump Calls Canada the ’51st State’ – Is He Serious or Just Joking?

Trump humorously referred to Canada as a U.S. state, which may offend Canadians and spark diplomatic issues over tariffs.

Related Articles