Houthi militants backed by Iran are intensifying fighting in Yemen. They aim to control the Red Sea coast and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. This escalation threatens a return to large-scale conflict after a fragile truce. Saudi Arabia leads a coalition against the Houthis, seeking regional stability. Various factions, including the Saudi-backed government and southern separatists, are involved.

The Houthis could still threaten the key Bab al-Mandeb Strait at the entrance to the Red Sea to reduce pressure on Iran.

Yemen's Houthi rebels have become an increasingly disruptive force in the Middle East in recent years

Here is a look at the main actors currently involved in the conflict.

Houthi militants backed by Iran are intensifying fighting in Yemen. They aim to control the Red Sea coast and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. This escalation threatens a return to…