A Russian navy warship has made a rare visit to the primary Red Sea port of Massawa, Eritrea, amid heightened tension in the region due to Iran-backed Houthi militants. Senior Eritrean military leaders and officials were present to welcome the arrival of the ship, named the Marshal Shaposhnikov, as it docked on Thursday. Additionally, Russia’s ambassador to Eritrea was in attendance.
According to Eritrea’s Minister of Information, Yemane Gebre Meskel, the frigate belongs to Russia’s Pacific Fleet. Meskel mentioned in a post on X that its presence was to commemorate the 30th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Russia and Eritrea.
In response to Houthi attacks in the region, a US naval task force is deployed in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, tasked with safeguarding commercial and military ships navigating the crucial trade route.
Eritrea has long regarded Western military presence in the region with suspicion and, in recent times, has strengthened its ties with Moscow.
The Houthis, who hold control over northern Yemen, have been targeting ships in the Red Sea in reaction to the conflict in Gaza. These militants are aligned with the “axis of resistance” against Israel.
In January, US and British warships initiated strikes on Houthi targets in response to missile and drone launches by the militants.