- By Michael Race
- Business reporter, BBC News
A Houthi military helicopter flies over a ship in the Red Sea
Global supply chains are facing severe disruption as a result of the world’s biggest shipping companies diverting journeys away from the Red Sea.
Attacks by Houthi rebels in Yemen on commercial vessels have resulted in many firms deciding to avoid one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes.
The Houthi group has declared its support for Hamas and has said it is targeting ships travelling to Israel, though it is not clear if all the ships that have been attacked were actually heading to Israel.
US and UK naval forces in the Red Sea have now launched air strikes against Houthi rebel targets in Yemen in response to the attacks on shipping.
What has happened?
The Houthis have been stepping up their attacks since the start of the Israel-Hamas war in October.
The group, which is backed by Iran, has been using drones and rockets against foreign-owned vessels transporting goods through the strait of Bab al-Mandab – a 20-mile wide channel…
