Why are the Houthis in the news?
Lately, there's been news about the Houthi rebels in Yemen, who are supported by Iran, attacking ships in the Red Sea. They claim it's in revenge for Israel's actions in Gaza. These attacks forced shipping and oil companies to stop or change transportation routes. This situation could impact the world economy.
Who are the Houthis?
The Houthi movement began in the 1990s with its leader, Hussein al-Houthi, starting a movement called 'Believing Youth.' Al-Houthi wanted to oppose Sunnism, and his followers were called Houthis.
After the country’s unification in 1990, Yemen's first president, Ali Abdullah Saleh, initially supported the Believing Youth movement. But when they became popular and spoke against the government, Saleh stopped supporting them. In 2003, Saleh's support of the US invasion of Iraq caused tensions in Yemen.
Al-Houthi organised protests against the government but was killed in 2004, and his movement continued. In 2011, the Houthi military moved forward, capturing Saada and asking for the end of Saleh's rule.
By 2014, the Houthis took over Yemen's capital, Sanaa(also spelt Sana'a). They now control many parts of Yemen, including the Red Sea coast.
What are the Houthis claiming about their ship attacks?
The Houthis said they would continue attacking Israeli ships or vessels bound for Israeli ports. They want to stop Israeli ships from going into the Red Sea until Israel stops what it's doing in Gaza and sends more food and medicine there.
At first, the Houthis said they would only focus on Israeli ships, but now they are attacking other ships too.
Is there anything being done about the attacks?
The United States has formed a naval protection force in the southern Red Sea to stop Houthi attacks. Over twenty countries have joined together to protect the ships from Houthi attacks.
