Who are Yemen’s Houthis and why are they attacking Red Sea ships?

The Iran-aligned Houthis of Yemen are playing an escalating role in the Middle East, attacking shipping in the Red Sea and firing drones and missiles at Israel in a campaign they say aims to support Palestinians in the Gaza war.

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Tuesday announced the creation of a multinational operation to safeguard commerce in the Red Sea in response to the Houthi attacks.

The Houthis' role has added to the conflict's regional risks, threatening sea lanes through which much of the world's oil is shipped, and worrying states on the Red Sea as Houthi rockets and drones fly towards Israel.

Who are the Houthis?