Houthi militants in Yemen are stepping up attacks on ships crossing the Red Sea, one of the world's busiest waterways, angering the United States, Britain and a coalition of countries invested in keeping the route open and safe for trade.
Since Israel declared war on Hamas in response to the Palestinian group's cross-border attack on October 7, the Iran-backed Houthis have used their base in northern Yemen to launch missiles and drones at several ships crossing the Red Sea. Last month, the United States announced a coalition called “Operation Prosperity Guardian,” aimed at protecting shipping in the Red Sea and maintaining access to the Suez Canal. The Houthis said that the operation would not deter them.
