Yemen's New Frontline The Iran backed Houthi rebels have been making headlines in recent weeks with their rapid advance down Yemen's western coast.
They've seized key ports and islands that give them control over the Bab el Mandeb Strait, a critical shipping route through which some 12% of world trade normally passes.
Mohamed al Bukhaiti, a senior Houthi official, has been making diplomatic overtures to the US, assuring Washington that they will not target American vessels in the Red Sea.