The U.S. has designated Yemen’s Houthis as a foreign terrorist organization, intending to reinforce pressure on the Iranian-backed group. This measure follows Executive Order 14175, signed by former President Trump, and aims to protect American interests amid escalating attacks in the Red Sea. The designation reintroduces sanctions and marks a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy towards the Houthis and ongoing humanitarian challenges in Yemen.
The United States has designated Yemen’s Houthi rebels, known as Ansarallah, as a foreign terrorist organization as part of Executive Order 14175, signed by former President Donald Trump. This designation aims to exert additional pressure on the Iranian-backed group, which is accused of destabilizing regional peace and endangering American interests.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the reinstatement of this designation, which imposes sanctions and penalties on individuals providing any material support to the Houthis. The group has intensified its attacks since 2023 in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, targeting commercial vessels and U.S. military forces while reportedly avoiding assaults on Chinese-flagged ships, which has raised alarms in Washington.
The U.S. administration has made it clear that it will not permit countries to maintain relationships with groups classified as terrorists, even if they justify such ties under the guise of legitimate trade. By designating the Houthis as terrorists, the Trump administration seeks to reinforce national security policies against an increasing regional threat.
According to the State Department, terrorism classifications serve as essential tools to disrupt funding and assistance to unlawful armed groups. Since the conflict escalated following the war between Israel and Hamas in October 2023, the Houthis have reportedly attacked over 100 commercial vessels in the Red Sea. Although they initially stated a willingness to limit strikes to Israeli-affiliated ships, further escalations may occur depending on the situation.
Previously, the terrorist designation was made during the final days of Trump’s first administration but was subsequently revoked by President Joe Biden’s administration, which feared it would hinder humanitarian aid efforts amid Yemen’s severe crisis. Recently, the UN has suspended operations in the Houthi stronghold after the group detained several officials, further complicating the humanitarian situation.
In summary, the designation of Yemen’s Houthis as a terrorist organization by the United States, reinforced by Executive Order 14175, aims to increase pressure on a group accused of destabilizing the region and threatening American interests. This reinstatement of the designation comes amidst escalating attacks by the Houthis and aims to combat terrorism while addressing humanitarian concerns in Yemen. The ongoing developments underscore the complexities of U.S. foreign policy in conflict zones affected by terrorism and humanitarian crises.
Original Source: aurora-israel.co.il
