The Iranian-backed Houthi militia has been launching attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea and against Israel. The attacks have disrupted a major trade route and led to increased tensions between the Houthis, Israel, and the United States. The Houthis, who control northern Yemen, have been fighting Yemen's government for about two decades and have built their ideology around opposition to Israel and the United States. The attacks on ships have significantly increased the costs and risks of transporting goods, contributing to higher prices for goods around the world. The United States and Britain have assembled a naval task force to patrol the Red Sea and intercept Houthi missiles and drones.