The Houthi are one of the warring factions in the civil war in Yemen.The Houthi are backed by Iran

Their piratical activity gives them a grip on global trade.

But the story is very complex because the Houghi's actions also impact on China's global reach but China supports Iran with its choke-lock on Red Sea trade, the Houthi have extended their activities beyond Israeli shipping to commercial shipping in general .Consequently the Royal Navy and a United States carrier force have been deployed.

There is no immediate solution to this stand-off in sight, though it has exposed the parlous state of Britain's defence policy.

(Posted 25/01/2024)