Yemen's Houthi Rebels Seek Leverage Through Attacks on Key Trade Routes
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The Houthis are an Iran-backed rebel group fighting in Yemen's civil war since the 1990s, seeking to represent the interests of the marginalized Zaidi Shia minority
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They have consolidated control over much of northern Yemen and are looking to strike a deal to cement their power
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Backed by Iran, the Houthis form part of the "Axis of Resistance" against Israel and the West, recently attacking ships in the Red Sea
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These attacks could cause shocks to the global economy by disrupting key trade routes like the Red Sea and Suez Canal
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The Houthis say the attacks are to pressure Israel over Gaza, but also likely to gain legitimacy at home and regionally against Saudi and UAE rivals