Why the Houthis Are Attacking Red Sea Ships: A Comprehensive Guide

Background:

The Houthis, officially known as Ansar Allah, are an Iranian-backed rebel group based in northern Yemen.

They are currently one of the main actors in the ongoing Yemeni Civil War, which has been raging since 2014.

The United States has supported Saudi Arabia in a war against the Houthis since 2015.

The war has devastated Yemen and caused a humanitarian crisis.

The Houthis view Red Sea shipping as a strategic target.
By attacking ships in the Red Sea, the Houthis hope to disrupt trade and destabilize regional economies.
The Houthis are likely also sending a message to the international community that they are capable of attacking vital infrastructure.

In recent months, the Houthis have carried out a number of attacks on shipping in the Red Sea, including:

On January 14, 2022, a Houthi drone attack targeted a civilian cargo ship in the Red Sea near Duba, Saudi Arabia.
On December 3, 2021, a Houthi missile attack damaged a British oil tanker in the Arabian Sea.
On October 21, 2021, a Houthi mine attack severely damaged an Israeli-owned cargo ship near the Bab al-Mandeb Strait.

The Houthis' attacks on Red Sea shipping have been met with widespread condemnation from the international community.

The United Nations has called for an end to the attacks and urged the Houthis to respect the freedom of navigation.

The United States has also condemned the attacks and warned the Houthis that they will be held accountable for their actions.

The Houthis' attacks on Red Sea shipping pose a serious threat to regional stability and the global economy.

The international community must take strong action to deter the Houthis from further attacks and hold them accountable for their actions.