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