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Source: The post is based on the article “Houthi Rebels: India-bound cargo ship hijacked by Houthi rebels in Red Sea” published in “Livemint” on 21st November 2023
Why in the News?
An India-bound cargo ship named Galaxy Leader was hijacked in the Red Sea by Yemen’s Houthi rebels.
Who are Houthis?
1) The Houthis are a rebel group in Yemen. They have been fighting a civil war with the Yemen government for almost a decade.
2) They are named after the Houthi tribe who follow Zaydi Shia beliefs.
3) They are in power in northern Yemen including the official capital Sanaa. The official government now operates out of Aden.
4) They are supported by Iran. On the other hand, the Yemen government is backed by Saudi Arabia and Western countries.
Where is Yemen?
| Specifications | Details |
| Located in | Arabian Peninsula (Western Asia) |
| Bordered by | Saudi Arabia and Oman |
| Capital | Sanaa |
| Maritime Borders | Djibouti, Eritrea and Somalia. |
| Seas surrounded by | It is located at the junction of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Its coastline commands the strategic strait of Bab al-Mandab. |
| Largest Island of Yemen | Socotra Island |
Where is the Red Sea?
1) The Red Sea is a seawater inlet of the Indian Ocean lying between Africa and Asia.
2) It is connected to the Indian Ocean in the south through the Bab el Mandeb strait and the Gulf of Aden.
3) To the north of the Red Sea lies the Sinai Peninsula, the Gulf of Aqaba and the Gulf of Suez.
4) Bordering Countries: Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Sudan, Eritrea and Djibouti.
UPSC Syllabus: International Relations/ Places in News
