Houthi militants in Yemen are escalating attacks on ships traversing the Red Sea, one of the world’s busiest maritime ways, drawing the ire of the United States, Britain, and a coalition of countries invested in keeping the route open and safe for commerce.
Since Israel declared war against Hamas in retaliation for its Oct. 7 cross-border attack, the Iranian-backed Houthis have used their base in northern Yemen to fire missiles and drones at several ships passing through the Red Sea. The United States last month announced a coalition dubbed Operation Prosperity Guardian, intended to protect ships passing through and maintain viable access to the Suez Canal. The Houthis said the operation would not deter them.