U.S.’ Biggest Rivals Russia, China Absent From Houthis’ Red Sea Hit List; Secret Putin-Rebel Ties?

Yemeni rebel Houthis said they will not target Russian and Chinese ships in the Red Sea. “[Vessels] are safe so long as vessels are not linked to certain countries, particularly Israel…As for all other countries, including Russia and China, their shipping in the region is not threatened,” a senior Houthi official said, as per AFP. This came after Russia denounced U.S.-led strikes on Houthis, and called the western countries to stop their aggression against the Iran-backed militant group.