Yemeni Mercenaries Fighting for Russia's War Machine in Ukraine

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A clandestine operation has brought hundreds of Yemeni men into the conflict in Ukraine, illustrating the expanding international dimensions of the war. Recruited through dubious means, these individuals were lured with promises of high-paying jobs and the prospect of Russian citizenship, only to find themselves forced into Russia’s military and deployed to the front lines. This operation has exposed growing ties between Russia and Yemen’s Houthi rebel group, deepening concerns about Moscow’s alliances in the Middle East.  

 

Recruits told the *Financial Times* they were initially drawn in by a Houthi-linked company. Upon arrival in Russia, their fates took a darker turn. Nabil, one of the Yemeni men, explained how he had hoped to secure a lucrative job in security or engineering to support his education. Instead, he found himself conscripted into the Russian army, with no understanding of the enlistment contract he was forced to sign. Nabil described harrowing conditions in Ukraine, recounting life under bombardment and the exhaustion of building bomb shelters in a mine-riddled forest. "We don’t even get five minutes to rest, we are so tired," he shared in a video, adding that his group lacked basic winter clothing.  

 

Another recruit, Abdullah, shared a similarly grim experience. Promised a $10,000 bonus, $2,000 monthly salary, and eventual Russian citizenship for manufacturing drones, he arrived in Moscow on September 18. There, he was forcibly taken to a remote facility where threats and gunfire coerced him into signing a contract he couldn’t read. "I signed it because I was scared," Abdullah admitted. Shortly after, he and others were sent to Ukraine with minimal training. Many of his peers didn’t survive, victims of what he called "scammers who traffic in human beings."  

 

The recruitment operation appears to be linked to Al Jabri General Trading & Investment Co, a company registered in Oman and founded by Abdulwali Abdo Hassan al-Jabri, a prominent Houthi politician. Contracts seen by the *Financial Times* identified Al Jabri’s involvement, but attempts to contact the company went unanswered. Al Jabri, a high-ranking official in the Houthi-allied army, has a contentious history. Sentenced to death in absentia by Yemen’s pro-Saudi government in 2021, he remains a key figure in Houthi politics and military activities.  

 

The Houthis, backed by Iran, have increasingly aligned with Russia as Moscow seeks allies in its confrontation with the West. US special envoy for Yemen Tim Lenderking confirmed active contacts between Russia and the Houthis, including discussions of weapons transfers. "The kinds of weapons that are being discussed are very alarming," Lenderking said, warning that advanced arms could enable the Houthis to expand their attacks beyond the Red Sea.  

 

Experts argue that Yemen’s poverty and instability make it an easy recruiting ground. "One thing Russia needs is soldiers, and it’s clear the Houthis are recruiting for them," said Farea al Muslimi of Chatham House. He described the effort as a calculated overture by the Houthis to deepen ties with Moscow.  

 

While Yemeni mercenaries are the latest to be drawn into Russia’s war, they are not alone. The conflict has reportedly seen fighters from Nepal, India, and even 12,000 North Korean troops deployed to support Russian operations. This internationalization of the war underscores Moscow’s determination to sustain its campaign without resorting to full mobilization.  

 

Based on a report by FInancial Times 2024-11-26

 

 

 

[candide]

If they stay alive, they are surely going to love the Russian winter! 😀