More than 70 vessels have been attacked, disrupting an estimated £754 billion in “commerce on shipping lanes crucial to Asia, Europe and the Middle East”, according to the Indo-Pacific Defence Forum.

In December, the US formed a coalition of more than 20 countries, nicknamed Operation Prosperity Guardian, to confront the rebels and try to secure the maritime route. The coalition has intercepted numerous drones and ballistic missiles aimed at vessels.

The US and the UK have launched several joint attacks on Houthi targets in Yemen since the coalition was formed.

In June, the two allies launched six air strikes on the Houthis, four of which targeted the airport of Hodeidah, a vital port in Yemen.