The Houthi Rebels: Yemeni Militants Attacking Ships in the Red Sea

The Houthi rebels in Yemen, a Shiite Muslim sect, have become a formidable military power and control most of the country, including the capital Sanaa and the Red Sea port of Hudaydah. While not designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S., the Houthis are part of an alliance with Hezbollah and Hamas, supported by Iran, against Israel. The recent attacks on ships in the Red Sea are claimed to be in support of the Palestinians, but the true targets are unclear. In response, the U.S. has launched Operation Prosperity Guardian, a joint military operation with several nations aimed at ensuring freedom of navigation and bolstering regional security in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.