Mercenary’s War

Chapter 2323 - 2299: Puppet Armed Forces

A very simple reason: Abdullah hurriedly issued an expulsion order, not because he didn’t value Gao Yang, but because he didn’t want Gao Yang to meet that Iranian.

Russia previously had no direct connection with the Houthis Armed Forces. Now Russia sent people to contact the Houthis Armed Forces, while Abdullah temporarily did not want his biggest supporters, who even controlled the Houthis Armed Forces, to know of Gao Yang’s existence. This is understandable.

Although the identity of Lavagani is unclear, it is certain that his status is not low. Otherwise, Abdullah would not have had to meet with Lavagani immediately without even letting him wait, and instead rudely asked Gao Yang to leave on his own.

Understanding the key point, Gao Yang didn’t say much. After exchanging glances with Glewatov, the group quickened their pace.

Salim led Gao Yang and the others to a large courtyard with twelve rooms, sufficient to accommodate all of Gao Yang’s people. Although the courtyard was somewhat worn, it was quietly cleaned, and the room furnishings were as good as possible.

From these details, it can be seen that Abdullah still valued Gao Yang and the others’ arrival.

Salim seemed very anxious, and after settling into his prepared room, he didn’t engage in any pleasantries, but immediately said urgently, "Mr. Petram, I think Lavagani knows you have arrived. I’m not sure if you are prepared to meet with the top official sent by Iran to contact us."

Gao Yang gestured for Salim to continue, then whispered, "Is there an issue?"

Salim looked hesitant, but not for long, before he softly said, "I think the Iranian side will not be happy to see you interacting with us."

It was at this moment that Gao Yang realized this Salim, whom he found somewhat unpleasant, appeared to be on his side. Salim was eager to know what assistance Gao Yang brought, wanting early knowledge to gain a bit more authority.

This was indeed interesting.

Gao Yang nodded and said seriously, "There is no conflict in our interests with the Iranian side. I think Lavagani should not react strongly to my arrival."

Salim shook his head swiftly, "No, that’s not it!"

After speaking, Salim sighed softly and whispered to Gao Yang, "Mr. Petram, let me be straightforward. The Houthis Armed Forces cannot leave Iran’s support. Even though we are getting stronger, our strength has not earned us the respect we deserve. On the contrary, as our power grows, Iran is steadily increasing control over the Houthis Armed Forces. It’s come to the point we almost can’t make decisions ourselves and have to follow Iranian orders."

Gao Yang understood that Iran’s influence is not just significant. It’s almost a complete control over the Houthis Armed Forces, and Salim hopes to escape this situation.

Salim’s idea is simple: drive out the tiger and swallow the wolf. As soon as Russian influence is brought in to support the Houthis Armed Forces, Iran’s control will naturally be weakened. Although the Houthis Armed Forces can’t leave Iranian support, with Russian intervention, they can navigate both sides rather than being tightly controlled by Iran as they are now.

As expected, Salim quickly said, "Abdullah has not yet made a decision. He is worried that cooperating with your country will upset the Iranian side, and if your identity isn’t acknowledged by Moscow, how can you compete against Iranian forces?"

Gao Yang nodded slightly, smiling, "We don’t intend to compete with Iran for control of Yemen, so there’s no contention to speak of."

Salim looked somewhat disappointed, nodding as if he wanted to say more, but Gao Yang continued casually, "Of course, I’m here to strengthen our relations. If someone tries to stop my arrival, I can’t simply turn back."

Salim raised his head, seeing some hope. Gao Yang spread his hands and smiled, "There’s no harm in saying it clearly. If our interests align with Iran, there will be no issue. But if our interests don’t align, then you can choose whether to support me or Iran."

Salim immediately responded, "We can’t resist Iranian orders right now, there’s no choice."

Gao Yang pointed at himself, smiling, "Exactly, there was no choice before, but now you will have options, my friend. As soon as you have a choice, even if you ultimately have to obey Iran, at least you have the power to choose."

Salim nodded uncontrollably.

Gao Yang continued, "Having more choices means what for the Houthis Armed Forces, I think you understand, my friend. You can relay my words to Abdullah, and I think he will also understand."

As long as there’s another choice, an alternative support, one’s position will naturally improve. It’s a simple principle, and the Houthis Armed Forces are currently Iran’s puppet.

No one likes being a puppet, so Salim and Abdullah should be eager to change their current situation, and the Russian forces represented by Gao Yang are ones that Iran cannot afford to antagonize. So, Russia, as a new ally, is indispensable for the Houthis Armed Forces.

Salim whispered, "I understand your reason, but I worry that the situation won’t be that simple. Can you, or those you represent, withstand Iran’s strong opposition and continue to support us?"

Gao Yang smiled, pointing at the ceiling, "Let matters above be decided by those above. I just need to do my part. But, my friend, I can tell you now that the Houthis Armed Forces are very important in our plan. Our commitment is strong; there’s no possibility of us easily abandoning it."

Salim’s face showed joy, nodding repeatedly, "That’s good, that’s very good."

Gao Yang pointed at Salim with a somber look, "I know Abdullah is worried and I know what he is worried about. You can relay my words to him; that once we are here, we won’t leave easily!"

Navigating both paths requires having both left and right.

Gao Yang reassured Salim, whose face was filled with excitement, "Good! I will go see Abdullah soon and relay your words verbatim!"