The U.S. has re-designated Yemen’s Houthis as a “foreign terrorist organization,” imposing stricter economic penalties. The White House noted the threat posed by the Houthis to U.S. and allied security and global trade. The Houthis condemned the designation, warning of worsening humanitarian crises in Yemen. This move is seen as an aggressive stance against Iranian influence, despite concerns from humanitarian organizations about its repercussions.
On Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump reclassified Yemen’s Houthi movement, recognized officially as Ansar Allah, as a “foreign terrorist organization.” This action will result in stricter economic measures compared to those imposed by the Biden administration, which were previously introduced in response to the group’s aggressive actions against international shipping and U.S. naval forces in the Red Sea.
The White House indicated that such actions were necessary due to the Houthis posing a direct threat to the safety of American personnel, allies, and global maritime operations. The Houthis swiftly condemned this designation, branding it “unjust” and warning of severe economic and humanitarian repercussions for Yemen, claiming it only strengthens external adversaries against them.
Having seized significant territory in Yemen, the Houthis have reportedly launched over 100 attacks on vessels in the Red Sea since November 2023, citing their solidarity with Palestinians during Israel’s ongoing conflict with Hamas. These disruptions have forced shipping companies to divert routes to longer, costlier paths around Africa, impacting international trade significantly.
Under the preceding Biden administration, military efforts focused on intercepting Houthi strikes to protect commercial interests while avoiding direct actions against Houthi leadership. While President Biden rescinded Trump-era terror designations in 2021 to alleviate apparent humanitarian issues in Yemen, he later designated the group as a “Specially Designated Global Terrorist” organization last year amid increasing hostilities.
Humanitarian organizations, such as Oxfam, have expressed concern that Trump’s latest designation will exacerbate the plight of Yemeni civilians by obstructing essential shipments of food and medical supplies. Statements from advocates argue that the administration is aware of the adverse consequences of this decision, projecting responsibility for any ensuing humanitarian crisis.
Former Assistant Secretary of State David Schenker noted that this move signifies a more aggressive stance on Iran’s influence through the Houthis in the region. He emphasized that the reclassification reflects a shift away from negotiating strategies with Iranian counterparts, underscoring a determination to combat the group’s operations directly.
The administration resolved to collaborate with regional allies to dismantle Houthi capabilities and obstruct their resources to mitigate risks posed to U.S. interests and maritime security. This designation will also initiate a comprehensive evaluation of U.N. organizations and NGOs working within Yemen to ensure alignment with U.S. objectives regarding the Houthis.
The re-designation of Yemen’s Houthis as a foreign terrorist organization by the Trump administration signifies a significant escalation in the U.S.’s approach towards the group, citing direct threats to regional stability and international shipping. While intended to curb Houthi influence and protect U.S. personnel, this designation could lead to severe humanitarian consequences for the Yemeni population amid ongoing conflicts. Observers emphasize the necessity for a balanced approach that considers both security and humanitarian needs. The recent actions against the Houthis are indicative of a broader strategy aimed at diminishing Iran’s involvement in Middle Eastern conflicts at the expense of humanitarian conditions within Yemen.
Original Source: www.mtv.com.lb
