Iran-backed Houthis rapidly advance on Red Sea coast

About this episode

Kate Adie introduces stories from Yemen, South Korea, Sierra Leone, France, and Ireland. Yemen's Houthis recently claimed a major advance along the western Red Sea coast, capturing two strategic port cities from the Saudi-backed pro government forces. The BBC’s security correspondent, Frank Gardner, reflects on how the Iran-backed Houthis have transformed themselves from tribal militia to formidable force. North Korea's soldiers fought alongside Russian troops at the end of 2024, as they tried to repel a surprise Ukrainian incursion into Russian territory - and it's thought they could soon make a return to the frontline. Quentin Sommerville examines what Pyongyang has gained from its burgeoning alliance with Moscow. Freetown in Sierra Leone is said to be one of the not-so-secret hideouts of one of Europe’s most-wanted drug criminals, Jos Leijdekkers. The Dutch national was sentenced in absentia to 24 years in prison by a Rotterdam court back in 2024. Ed Butler travelled to Freetown to find out how he’s managed to evade justice. In Northern France seaside towns are trying hard to rebrand themselves and shake off their gritty image, shaped by a history of coal mining – and th