{
  "id": 14222707,
  "title": "How Iran made the Houthis into such a problem",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/13/how-iran-made-the-houthis-into-such-a-problem",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-13T14:55:47.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "CBS News",
    "slug": "cbs-news",
    "url": "https://www.cbsnews.com/news/how-iran-made-houthis-threat-saudi-arabia-us-interests/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Iran has transformed Yemen's Houthi rebels into a formidable force in the region, becoming the Middle East's central opponent of the United States and its allies. Once a little-known group in northwest Yemen, the Houthis have grown in both strength and influence over the past decade. Supported financially and militarily by Iran, they have evolved from a marginal group within Iran's Axis of Resistance into a powerful proxy with the capability to cause asymmetric damage through aerial attacks.\n\nThe Houthis' latest attacks on Saudi Arabia, which have killed at least 20 people at Saudi airports and threatened the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, highlight their growing power and influence. Saudi Arabia, a key American ally, is bearing the brunt of the Houthis' attacks, with the militants also targeting Saudi oil infrastructure. This has helped drive up global energy prices and threatened oil and gas shipments through key maritime chokepoints.\n\nThe Houthis' evolution from a relatively minor group within Iran's network to a dominant force is notable. They have adopted new tactics, including the use of drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles, to overwhelm Israel and Saudi defenses. Their strategy relies on ideological support from a largely impoverished population, allowing them to inflict damage to the Saudis and global economy despite economic hardship.\n\nThe real objectives of the Houthis are not merely retaliation, but power and recognition. They aim to seize control of all of Yemen and have the support of Iran to fund their expansion. The Houthis' march to real power began in 2012, when they capitalized on unrest following the Arab Spring to build a loyal following in the north of Yemen. They seized the capital Sanaa in 2014, sparking a civil war with the Western- and Saudi-backed government. Since then, they have taken control of key state military and civilian powers, and have survived a first round of fighting with the Saudi-led military coalition from 2015 until 2022.",
  "summary": "10 years ago, few people had heard of the Houthis. Here's how the Yemeni rebels have become Iran's \"most powerful proxy.\"",
  "key_points": [
    "Iran financially and militarily supports Houthi rebels since 2012",
    "Houthis evolve from marginal group to formidable proxy with asymmetric attack capability",
    "Saudi Arabia bears brunt of Houthi attacks, driving up global energy prices"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Semafor",
        "title": "How the Houthis’ Zaydi heritage influences their strikes in Iran",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/13/how-the-houthis-zaydi-heritage-influences-their-strikes-in-iran",
        "published": "2026-10-13T12:50:59.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "CBS News",
        "title": "Former CIA official breaks down Iran war headlines as Houthis warn the U.S.",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/13/former-cia-official-breaks-down-iran-war-headlines-as-houthis-warn",
        "published": "2026-10-13T13:04:06.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}