U.S. Re-designates Yemen’s Houthis as ‘Foreign Terrorist Organization’ Under Trump Administration
U.S. President Donald Trump re-designated Yemen’s Houthi movement as a ‘foreign terrorist organization,’ leading to stricter sanctions aimed at curbing their attacks on shipping in the Red Sea. Proponents argue the move is necessary, while critics warn of dire humanitarian repercussions for Yemen. This decision reflects U.S. concerns for regional security but complicates efforts to aid civilians amidst the ongoing conflict.
On Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump re-designated Yemen’s Houthi movement, known officially as Ansar Allah, as a ‘foreign terrorist organization,’ as confirmed by the White House. This decision enforces stricter economic sanctions than those previously established by the Biden administration due to the group’s assaults on commercial shipping in the Red Sea and U.S. naval vessels defending essential maritime routes. Supporters claim that this designation is long overdue, although some experts caution it may inadvertently affect humanitarian organizations assisting Yemeni civilians.
The White House stated, “The Houthis’ activities threaten the security of American civilians and personnel in the Middle East, the safety of our closest regional partners, and the stability of global maritime trade.” The Houthis condemned the re-designation as “unjust” and expressed concerns regarding its likely impact on Yemen’s economy and humanitarian conditions. They accused the U.S. of furthering support for Israel’s actions against Palestinians in their statements reported by al-Masirah TV.
Since November 2023, the Houthis have conducted over 100 maritime attacks, claiming such actions to express solidarity with Palestinians amidst the conflict with Hamas in Gaza. Their operations have included sinking vessels, seizing ships, and resulting in fatalities among seafarers. These aggressive acts have disrupted international shipping routes, compelling companies to opt for longer voyages around Africa.
During Biden’s tenure, the military targeted Houthi attacks to protect commercial lines and initiated periodic strikes, but did not target Houthi leadership. At the beginning of his presidency in 2021, Biden rescinded Trump’s terrorist designations to address humanitarian concerns, later classifying the group as a ‘Specially Designated Global Terrorist’ organization in response to escalating attacks in the Red Sea.
British charity Oxfam predicted that Trump’s re-designation would deepen Yemen’s humanitarian crisis by obstructing essential imports of food, medicine, and fuel. “The Trump administration is aware of these consequences but chose to move forward anyway,” stated Scott Paul, the director of peace and security at Oxfam America, emphasizing the administration’s accountability for the resulting humanitarian distress.
David Schenker, former assistant secretary of state for Near Eastern affairs, viewed the re-designation as an initial measure against what he referred to as a primary Iranian proxy force in the region. He noted that while the re-designation may not change Houthi actions, it indicates the administration’s refusal to negotiate with Iran passively.
This new designation is expected to initiate a comprehensive review of U.N. and NGO partners in Yemen. The Trump administration announced that the U.S. would collaborate with regional allies to diminish Houthi resources and capabilities, thus aiming to cease their hostile activities against U.S. interests and maritime commerce.
Recently, the Houthis appeared to be reducing their attacks in the Red Sea, coinciding with a ceasefire agreement involving Israel and Hamas. They also released the crew of the Galaxy Leader commercial vessel after over a year of their detention.
In conclusion, the re-designation of Yemen’s Houthi movement as a ‘foreign terrorist organization’ marks a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy, aiming to impose stricter sanctions in light of their continued aggression in the Red Sea. This decision has raised concerns among humanitarian organizations regarding the potential adverse effects on the Yemeni population. The ongoing volatility in the region underscores the complexities involved in balancing national security interests with humanitarian considerations.
Original Source: www.mtv.com.lb
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