In the wake of Hamas’ October attacks on Israel, and the ongoing Israeli bombardment of Gaza, a Houthi rebel faction in Yemen has been attacking shipping in the southern Red Sea. 

Cargo ships have been attacked by the Houthis since November. The group claims the ships being targeted are Israeli-affiliated but merchant vessels from other countries have also been fired on.

The Houthis are believed to be backed by Iran, and they are key allies of Hamas in Gaza. 

Last week, the UK, the US and three other western allies carried out air strikes on 13 of Houthi targets in Yemen following weeks of warnings to the rebel group. 

The Houthis have issued statements saying they are not deterred by the attacks, which they described as a “mistake” and “the greatest folly in their [the UK and the US] history”.