Who are Yemen's Houthis and why are they attacking Red Sea shipping?

The Houthis, formally known as Ansar Allah, are an Iran-backed armed political and religious group in Yemen that champions the country's Shia Muslim minority, the Zaidis.

Part of an "axis of resistance" against Israel and the West, the group has gained international prominence since October 2023 for its persistent attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, says the BBC.

Why are the Houthis targeting ships?

Motivated by the Israel-Hamas war, the Houthis have used drones and missiles to target vessels in key maritime corridors. They initially said they were targeting ships connected to Israel, but many of the vessels attacked have had no such links.

Following US and UK air strikes on Houthi positions, the group expanded its targets to include ships tied to those two countries.

Why does the Red Sea matter?

The Red Sea is a critical corridor for nearly 15% of global seaborne trade. The attacks — which have sunk two vessels and killed four crew members — have forced major shipping companies to reroute vessels around southern Africa instead of using the Suez Canal, significantly increasing transit times and costs.

How have the US and its allies responded?

In January 2024, the United States and Britain launched air strikes against Houthi targets. Then-President Joe Biden described the operation as a "Direct response" to attacks that "jeopardised trade, and threatened freedom of navigation".

In March 2025, the administration of Donald Trump authorised a new wave of strikes. Trump said, "Funded by Iran, the Houthi thugs have fired missiles at US aircraft, and targeted our troops and allies" and described Houthi actions as "Piracy, violence, and terrorism" that had cost "billions" and put lives at risk.

He also warned Iran it would be held "Fully accountable and, we won't be nice about it", urging it to cease support for the group.

Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said, "Under the previous administration, America's enemies were emboldened and billions in frozen funds were unlocked for Iran" and added, "With President Trump... an era of peace through strength is back".

A subsequent round of strikes in mid-March 2025 drew scrutiny after it emerged that senior officials had discussed operational details in a messaging group that inadvertently included a journalist.

Where did the Houthis come from?

The Houthis emerged in the 1990s and fought a series of rebellions against Yemen's government, seeking greater autonomy. In 2014, they seized the capital, Sanaa, triggering a civil war that has lasted for more than a decade.

They now control much of north-western Yemen, including the capital and parts of the Red Sea coastline, where they run a de facto government.

What role does Iran play?

Iran denies providing military support to the Houthis. However, the United States and many analysts say Tehran has supplied the group with drones, missiles, training and intelligence.

Dr. Elisabeth Kendall said, "The Houthis could not operate at this level without Iranian arms, training and intelligence", while noting that "It is unclear that Iran has direct command and control over the Houthis".

What is the humanitarian impact in Yemen?

The conflict has caused a severe humanitarian crisis. More than 150,000 to 160,000 people have been killed, and around 4.8 million have been displaced.

About half of Yemen's population — roughly 19.5 million people — requires some form of humanitarian assistance, making it one of the world's most acute aid emergencies.