The U.S. has designated Yemen’s Houthi rebels as a terrorist organization to enhance pressure on the Iranian-backed group. This designation follows an increase in attacks on commercial and military vessels, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio announcing penalties for support to the Houthis. Since their takeover in 2014, the Houthis have posed serious regional threats, complicating humanitarian initiatives in Yemen as detention of UN officials continues.
The U.S. State Department has designated Yemen’s Houthi rebels, known as Ansarallah, as a foreign terrorist organization, fulfilling a commitment made by former President Donald Trump. This designation aims to exert greater pressure on the Iranian-supported militant group, which is accused of destabilizing the region and jeopardizing U.S. interests.
Executive Order 14175, signed by Trump, states that the Houthis’ actions threaten the safety of American personnel and allies while impacting the stability of global maritime trade. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed the reinstatement of this designation, which includes penalties for entities providing support to the Houthis.
In recent months, the Houthis have increased their assaults in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, targeting commercial vessels and U.S. military assets. Reports indicate that the group has specifically attacked U.S.-flagged ships while sparing those registered under China, raising concerns in Washington about their operational strategies.
The U.S. administration has expressed its resolve to prohibit any country from maintaining relations with groups identified as terrorists, irrespective of trade excuses. The Trump administration intends to bolster national security strategies in response to what it perceives as a growing regional threat.
According to the State Department, designating terrorism classifications effectively disrupts funding channels for unlawful armed groups. The Houthis have reportedly attacked over 100 merchant vessels since the conflict escalation involving Israel and Hamas in October 2023. Although they announced a reduction in attacks on Israeli-affiliated ships following a ceasefire, they warned that broader assaults may resume at any time.
This fresh designation follows the Democratic administration’s prior revocation of the classification, due to fears regarding aid disruptions amidst Yemen’s severe humanitarian crisis. The UN halted humanitarian operations in Houthi regions after the detention of eight UN officials by the rebels. Numerous UN staff and humanitarian workers have been detained without release in recent months.
The Iran-backed Houthis have been engaged in conflict with Yemen’s internationally recognized government since 2014, following their takeover of Sanaa and surrounding territories.
The designation of Yemen’s Houthi rebels as a terrorist organization aims to promote national security and stability in the region, addressing the perceived threats they pose. This move reinforces the U.S. stance against groups supported by Iran while also complicating humanitarian efforts in Yemen. The ongoing conflict emphasizes the need for sustained international attention and resolution efforts.
Original Source: aurora-israel.co.il
