WASHINGTON — In a significant move, the State Department has reinstated the “foreign terrorist organization” designation for Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi group, as part of an order enacted following the leadership of former President Trump.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that this designation comes with strict sanctions and penalties for individuals providing “material support” to the group.
“Since the start of 2023, the Houthis have carried out numerous attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, as well as U.S. service members engaged in protecting freedom of navigation and regional allies,” Rubio stated. “Notably, the Houthis have targeted American and allied vessels while showing restraint towards Chinese-flagged ships.”
Since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas conflict in October 2023, the Houthis have attacked over 100 merchant ships within this vital trade corridor using missiles and drones. In January, the group indicated a willingness to limit its attacks to Israeli-affiliated vessels, following a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, but warned that broader strikes could resume if circumstances dictated.
The prior designation of the Houthis was revoked by the Biden administration, reflecting concerns that it would severely hinder the delivery of humanitarian aid to Yemen, which is experiencing one of the gravest humanitarian crises globally.
Recently, the United Nations announced the suspension of its humanitarian operations in Houthi-controlled areas after the detention of eight additional U.N. staffers by the rebels.
In recent months, the Houthis have detained numerous U.N. personnel and individuals associated with humanitarian organizations and civil society, including those linked to the previously operational U.S. Embassy in Sanaa, Yemen’s capital. Notably, none of the detained U.N. staff has been released.
The Iranian-backed Houthis have been in conflict with Yemen’s internationally recognized government, supported by a Saudi-led coalition, since 2014, when they expanded from their stronghold in Saada to seize control of Sanaa and a majority of northern Yemen.
