Houthis Wreak Havoc on Middle East Oil Trade

Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels have emerged as a significant disruptor in the Middle East, waging war against Saudi Arabia and targeting Israel. The group has been at odds with Yemen's internationally recognized government since 2014 and has seen a resurgence in attacks on Saudi Arabia this year.

In July, the Houthis declared a blockade on Saudi shipping, threatening a major oil exporter at a time of soaring prices due to Iran's disruption of the Strait of Hormuz. The group also fired on several Saudi oil tankers, disrupting shipping in the Red Sea.

The Houthi rebels are part of Iran's so-called Axis of Resistance, an alliance of armed groups hostile to Israel that includes Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza. While Iran denies arming the Houthis, Iranian weapons have been seized from ships bound for Yemen on several occasions.