The Houthi, a political and military group in Yemen, have been attacking ships in the Red Sea since November. They say they’re targeting vessels headed to or owned by Israel as a way to support Palestinians in Gaza.

Not all of the ships are connected to Israel. And now the US and UK has launched military airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen to reduce their military capability.

So what’s happening in the Red Sea?

Frank Gardner, the BBC’s security correspondent, explains who the Houthis are and what’s motivating their attacks. And Nawal Al-Maghafi, an international correspondent for the BBC who’s reported extensively from Yemen, tells us a bit more about the group’s political strategies and how they’re framing their approach to the Israel-Gaza conflict.

As a result of the Houthi attacks, many of the world's biggest shipping companies have stopped vessels using the Red Sea route, opting for an alternative route through the Cape of Good Hope. Michael Race, a BBC Business reporter, explains how these attacks are affecting the transport and price of consumer goods.

Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: William Lee Adams and Benita Barden Editors: Emily Horler and Simon Peeks

Who are the Houthis and why are the US and UK attacking them? 14:05 Share

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Who are the Houthis and why are the US and UK attacking them?