How Iran made the Houthis into such a problem

What happened: Yemen's Houthis have grown from a little-known group in northwest Yemen into Iran's most potent regional ally and a central opponent of the United States and its allies, now attacking Saudi Arabia and Israel. Key numbers: At least 20 people killed at Saudi airports over the last week; Houthi force estimated at hundreds Why it matters: Analysts say the Houthis are Iran's most powerful proxy, and any U.S. military strategy on Iran must account for their next move. Their attacks on Saudi oil infrastructure and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait have helped drive up global energy prices.

Yemen's Houthis have grown from a little-known group in northwest Yemen into Iran's most potent regional ally and a central opponent of the United States and its allies, now attacking Saudi Arabia and Israel.

Analysts say the Houthis are Iran's most powerful proxy, and any U.S. military strategy on Iran must account for their next move. Their attacks on Saudi oil infrastructure and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait have helped drive up global energy prices.