INTERVIEW: Houthi rebels are undermining the rules-based world order - maritime security expert

The Yemeni Houthi group has attacked ships in the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean and the US Central Command says the group presents an imminent threat to US coalition forces, and merchant vessels in the region. The Iran-backed Huthis have been targeting vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden since November 2023 in attacks they say are in solidarity with Palestinians during the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip. But Dr Ian Ralby - who's a maritime security expert with the Atlantic Council - says they are engaged in a sustained assault on global maritime commerce. He told SBS's Gary Cox it's about far more than support for Gaza. He says after years of fighting in Yemen and claiming to be at war with the United States and the United Kingdom, the Houthis are thrilled to have finally achieved widespread visibility and they pose a significant threat to the region and the world.