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Who are the Houthis and why are they attacking ships in the Red Sea?

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large crowd of protesters holding signs in Yemen
Yemenis protesting against the US and UK air strikes and in solidarity with Palestinians.(Getty: Mohammed Hamoud.)

The Houthis, a militia group from Yemen, began targeting cargo vessels in the Red Sea last year.

It's one of the world's busiest shipping lanes so disruptions can have a big impact on global trade.

The United States and UK have responded with air strikes on targets in Yemen.

We examine the Houthis origins and rising influence.

GUESTS
Jane Kinninmont: Middle East specialist with the European Leadership Network
Baraa Shaban: Associate Fellow at the Royal United Services Institute
Martin Smith: producer and correspondent for PBS

Credits

Broadcast 
World Politics, Defence and National Security
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