Houthis escalate campaign tied to Iran as Gaza war enters fifth week

Insights

• Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi rebels have expanded attacks on Red Sea shipping and said they will target Israeli and Israeli-linked interests.
• Houthi strikes have included missiles, drones and maritime attacks that have damaged or threatened commercial vessels and military escorts.
• The United States and allied navies have increased escorts and carried out limited strikes in response to Houthi attacks on ships and maritime forces.
• Shipping routes have been disrupted and some vessels have been rerouted, raising insurance costs and trade delays through the Bab al Mandeb and Red Sea.
• Retaliatory strikes in Yemen have caused damage and casualties and increased the risk of broader regional escalation.