Houthi Movement

التالى السابق

Houthi Movement and North Korea involvement with Russia invasion

REPORTS - 6 month ago

War Internationalization of the Houthi and North Korean in Ukraine 

South’s Eye | Report - Exclusive

The involvement of North Korean forces in the Russia-Ukraine war alongside Russia, coupled with reports of the Houthis supporting Russian efforts, marks a startling development in geopolitics and global alliances. This situation highlights the increasing alignment of unconventional actors in conflicts far removed from their immediate regions, driven by intertwined ideological and strategic interests.

Reports confirm the military support provided by North Korea to Russia, whether in the form of soldiers or equipment, indicating Kim Jong-un's intent to strengthen relations with Moscow while asserting his influence on global affairs. The strained relations between Russia and the West have presented Pyongyang with an opportunity to position itself as a valuable ally to the Kremlin. This partnership is mutually beneficial: Moscow gains additional manpower and material support, while Pyongyang secures economic aid, particularly oil, access to advanced Russian technology, and political backing on the global stage.

North Korea’s decision to engage its forces sends a strong message to the West. It signals its readiness to challenge U.S. and NATO dominance indirectly while reinforcing its partnership with Russia against common adversaries. Additionally, the participation of North Korean forces serves as a propaganda tool for Pyongyang, aiming to showcase the strength and loyalty of its army amid Kim’s paranoia.

On the other hand, the Houthis’ alignment with Russian interests in Ukraine reflects the broader realignment of global alliances, where local rebel groups find common ground with state actors in major conflicts. While the Houthis’ main theater of operations is their war against southern forces, their involvement alongside Russia serves multiple purposes, primarily securing Russian military funding to threaten maritime corridors.

The Houthis, who already rely heavily on Iranian support, see an opportunity to strengthen ties with Russia. Russian backing could enhance their geopolitical standing and provide them with additional leverage against their regional adversaries, particularly the Saudi-UAE coalition and southern forces.

Any material or logistical support the group provides to Russia could result in economic benefits, such as weapons supplies or funding to sustain their operations in the region. It is evident that the Houthis’ anti-Western rhetoric aligns with Russia's efforts to undermine U.S. and European influence globally. This ideological overlap fosters deeper cooperation, even if their direct involvement in Ukraine remains limited.

The involvement of both North Korean forces and the Houthis alongside Russia represents a shift in how proxy wars and global conflicts interact. These developments highlight how local or regional actors increasingly engage in global conflicts, seeking influence and gains that transcend their immediate contexts.

While the Houthis’ participation may not be decisive, the symbolic nature of these alliances strengthens Russia. It allows Moscow to present itself as part of a broader coalition resisting Western dominance, challenging NATO's narrative of Russia’s global isolation.

However, the Houthis’ alliance with Russia complicates conflict dynamics. It could provoke stronger reactions from Gulf states, which may view this partnership as a direct threat to regional stability. It also raises questions about Iran's role, as Tehran’s support for the Houthis may align directly or indirectly with Russian interests.

As for North Korea’s actions, they serve as a reminder of its strategic opportunism. By engaging in a distant conflict, it enhances its importance as a player capable of shaping global security dynamics while challenging the West.

These developments point to the emergence of a multipolar world order in which unconventional alliances play a significant role. Who could have anticipated that soldiers from northern Yemen might one day fight in Europe? It is clear that nations and non-state actors disgruntled by Western dominance have developed a shared cause, regardless of ideological or geographical differences. This trend challenges traditional notions of alliances and underscores the evolving nature of contemporary geopolitics.

The involvement of North Korea and the Houthis in supporting Russia reveals the complexities of modern warfare and global alliances. It signifies a world where even local actors and distant conflicts are increasingly intertwined, reshaping the global landscape and complicating efforts to resolve conflicts. These dynamics demand a nuanced response from the international community to address the growing interconnectedness between regional and global conflicts.

A Carnegie report highlights that the Houthis' and North Korea's involvement in the Ukraine war aligns with their strategic and geopolitical patterns influenced by their alliances. According to recent analyses, the Houthis, as Iran’s proxies in northern Yemen, have played a role in enabling the development and testing of Iranian drones and missiles now deployed in Russia’s attacks on Ukraine. These drones, including the Shahed-136, have been effective in Russia's strategy of targeting civilian infrastructure to weaken Ukrainian resolve. Evidence suggests that the Houthis' expertise, gained in conflicts against Saudi Arabia, southern forces, and other regional players, has indirectly supported Russia through the application of these combat-tested technologies.

Meanwhile, reports indicate that North Korea has provided military support to Russia, including artillery shells and other supplies, underscoring its alliance with Moscow against Western-backed Ukraine. This dynamic illustrates how global conflict zones and smaller actors are interconnected through strategic alliances with major powers like Russia and Iran.

According to the National Interest, these developments highlight the growing alignment among anti-Western actors. The deepening of Russia’s relations with Iranian proxies like the Houthis, alongside direct support from North Korea, represents a strategic pushback against Western influence, complicating the resolution of regional and international conflicts. This underscores the need for global powers to address these alliances through coordinated strategies, including sanctions and diplomatic pressure, to prevent the internationalization of conflicts in Ukraine or elsewhere. Moreover, balancing regional power dynamics, such as supporting southern forces, will play a pivotal role in pressuring the Houthis. Perhaps the most pressing question is the outcome of the recent NATO and U.S. officials’ meeting, as revealed by two anonymous sources.