Why has the talk around the Civil War in Yemen become bigger since Houthis’ attacks in the Red Sea?

Yemen's civil war, which started in 2014, pits the Saudi-allied government against Houthi rebels. Minority Shia Houthi seized the capital, Sanaa, in 2014, prompting a Saudi-led military intervention in 2015, backed by the US, UK, and France, as a fear of Iran's spread. The war has claimed over 377,000 lives and displaced millions more, not to mention it has left 80% of the population in need of aid. Since October 2023, the Houthis have bombed over 60 Red Sea merchant ships, which has also strangled world trade. This is particularly because 12% of all international trade passing along this route, IKEA and Amazon shipments are held up while vessels must circumnavigate Africa. The US and UK responded with air strikes against Yemen with particular focus on protecting trade and shipping. Others like Australia and Canada would rather provide non-operational aid. The war helps to highlight the complex relationship between international economic interests and local wars.

Why has the talk around the Civil War in Yemen become bigger since Houthis’ attacks in the.

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