Houthis

The Houthis are an Iran-aligned group in Yemen who have recently made significant military advances, capturing the country's entire Red Sea coastline and strategic points in the Bab al-Mandab Strait. This rapid expansion has surprised observers and consolidated their ability to threaten vital global shipping routes. Their advances have led to concerns about global trade and oil prices, with Saudi Arabia reporting attacks on its oil pipeline that bypasses the Strait of Hormuz. The group has declared the Red Sea safe for navigation, with the exception of Saudi vessels. These developments have prompted calls for military action from figures like Saudi Arabia and have been described as a dangerous new dimension to the regional conflict, exposing weaknesses in the Yemeni government and Saudi-backed forces.