Understanding Yemen's Houthis: Iran-backed rebels attacking ships in the Red Sea

Yemen's Houthi rebels, backed by Iran, have attacked a US warship and three commercial vessels in the Red Sea. The US has urged restraint in its response, suggesting the attacks may not have been intentional. The Houthis are part of Iran's "axis of resistance" and have been armed, sponsored, and trained by Iran. They seized Yemen's capital in 2014, leading to Saudi Arabia's intervention over fears of growing Shi'ite influence. The group has developed an arsenal including ballistic missiles and armed drones capable of hitting Israel. Saudi Arabia and the US accuse Iran of enabling the rebels to attack Israel and Western ships, while Iran denies the allegations. The Houthis, along with Hamas and Hezbollah, form part of Iran's military alliance aimed at opposing Israeli and American power in the Middle East.