Viktor Bout, the infamous Russian arms dealer known as “the merchant of death,” has reportedly resurfaced in the international arms trade, according to a recent report by the Wall Street Journal. Bout, who was previously jailed in the United States and later exchanged for American basketball star Brittney Griner, is said to be attempting to facilitate the sale of small arms to the Houthi rebels in Yemen.
The Wall Street Journal cited an unnamed European security source and other individuals familiar with the situation in their report. The Houthi rebels, backed by Iran, have been engaged in a prolonged conflict with the Yemeni government and its allies, leading to a devastating humanitarian crisis in the region.
Bout’s involvement in arms trafficking has long been a source of concern for the international community, with his previous arrest and subsequent release drawing widespread attention. His alleged attempts to supply arms to the Houthi rebels only add to his notoriety as a key player in the global arms trade.
The reemergence of Viktor Bout highlights the ongoing challenges of enforcing arms embargoes and preventing illicit weapons transfers in conflict zones. As the conflict in Yemen continues to escalate, the role of arms dealers like Bout raises serious questions about accountability and the impact of arms proliferation on regional stability and security.
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Video “Freed Russian ‘merchant of death’ accused of selling arms to Houthi rebels • FRANCE 24 English” was uploaded on 10/09/2024 to Youtube Channel FRANCE 24 English