Houthi rebels in Yemen have been attacking commercial shipping in the Red Sea and they have vowed to continue targeting vessels that they consider linked to Israel.
Almost 15% of global trade passes through the Bab al-Mandab strait, and there are fears that fuel prices will rise and supply chains will be disrupted.
The US, UK and ten other states have warned the Houthis they would face consequences if they continued their attacks.
BBC Newsnight’s Joe Inwood has been looking into the situation.
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