US intelligence agencies have warned that Russia may arm the Houthi militias in Yemen with advanced anti-ship missiles in response to US President Joe Biden’s administration’s support for Ukrainian strikes inside Russia with American weapons.

The new intelligence comes as the US commander in chief in the Middle East recently advised in a classified letter to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin that military operations in the region are “failing” to deter Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea, and that there is a need to... To a broader approach, according to American officials who told the American newspaper “The Wall Street Journal”.

The White House launched a secret campaign to try to prevent Moscow from delivering missiles to the Iran-backed Houthis, who have been attacking ships in the Red Sea for eight months in a show of solidarity with the Palestinians in Gaza.

The administration also made a diplomatic effort by trying to persuade Russian President Vladimir Putin not to join Iran in providing weapons to the Houthis, according to US officials.

A broader list of potential targets

The combination of intelligence that Moscow may be planning to provide military support in Yemen and warnings issued by General Eric Kurella, head of US Central Command, have raised the question of whether the White House is doing enough to stop militia attacks on waterways.

An administration official said he had asked Central Command to prepare a broader list of potential targets, including specific armed actors for potential strikes.

However, some US officials say more could have been done to better protect commercial shipping, including striking larger weapons storage facilities, targeting Houthi leaders and selecting larger strategic targets.

According to the newspaper, Moscow's decision to arm the Houthis will represent an escalation in its confrontation with Washington over the conflict in Ukraine.

Moscow has already aroused deep concern among American officials by strengthening ties with North Korea and Iran and securing China's help in strengthening the Russian defense industry.

Some analysts believe the Russians may be threatening to send anti-ship missiles to dissuade the administration from taking additional steps to help Kiev, such as allowing Ukrainian forces to use the U.S.-provided Army Tactical Missile System, or ATACMS, against airfields on Russian soil.