Potential Houthi threat to Red Sea shipping could further damage global economy

The Iran-backed group could bring a second crucial waterway to a standstill, writes Sebastian Usher.

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Now, the movement that still holds the Yemeni capital, Sanaa, and the north and other areas of the country, has made its first move, firing missiles towards Israel.

The Houthis say they were targeting "sensitive Israeli military sites".

It is true that the threat the Houthis pose to Israel through its missile fire is far less than that of Iran.

The group fired towards Israel many times in support of Hamas after war erupted in Gaza, following the Hamas-led attacks on Israel on 7 October 2023.