For the first time since May, oil prices rose above $100 per barrel, following a Houthi attack on Saudi ships in the Red Sea, threatening to cut off another route for oil exports already constrained by the de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

The Houthis are an armed group that has controlled the Yemeni capital Sanaa and large parts of the country since 2014.

Nick Robertson, a CNN correspondent, provides an explanation of the nature of the Houthis, the rebel group that receives Iranian support.

America

Israel

Iran

Saudi Arabia

Yemen

Red Sea

Houthis

Donald Trump

Gaza

These attacks come amid escalating tensions between Iran and the United States, where the Houthis are seen as an Iranian arm in Yemen. Analysts warn that continued attacks could disrupt global oil supplies and drive up prices. These developments also increase the risk of a military confrontation in the Gulf region. International markets are closely monitoring any developments that could affect oil flows from the Middle East.