Explainer: Who are the Houthis, Iran's allies in Yemen?

Yemen's Saudi-backed government has initiated a military counteroffensive against the Iran-backed Houthis, seeking to recover lost territory. The renewed warfare has increased tensions in the region, jeopardizing Red Sea shipping routes and disrupting energy exports. The Houthis have previously demonstrated their missile and drone capabilities, impacting global trade and regional stability. The conflict, which has caused significant humanitarian crises, has recently escalated after a period of relative peace.