The US has designated Yemen’s Houthis as a foreign terrorist organization following President Trump’s direction. This decision aims to counter threats to US personnel and maritime security, but it may worsen Yemen’s humanitarian crisis, affecting millions in need. Concerns have been voiced regarding the implications for humanitarian assistance and overall regional stability.

On March 4, 2025, the US State Department announced the implementation of the designation of Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement as a “foreign terrorist organization,” following a directive from President Donald Trump. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the actions of the Houthis pose threats to American citizens and personnel in the Middle East, as well as to the security of regional partners and global maritime stability.

The designation has raised concerns regarding its potential effects on regional security and the worsening humanitarian situation in Yemen. Importers are apprehensive that they may face US sanctions if supplies end up in Houthi hands. UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric emphasized that such designations require humanitarian safeguards to prevent devastating impacts on the 19 million Yemenis in need of life-saving assistance.

Jakob Larsen, chief safety and security officer for the BIMCO shipping association, cautioned that the designation could further deteriorate the security context in the region. The State Department’s recent actions follow President Trump’s January decision to re-designate the Houthis as a foreign terrorist organization in response to their attacks on commercial shipping and US warships in the critical maritime regions.

The Houthis, having conducted over 100 attacks since November 2023, assert that their actions are in solidarity with Palestinians amid the conflict with Israel. Their hostilities include the sinking and seizure of vessels, as well as missile and drone strikes aimed at Israel. In response to the impending ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, Houthi leadership has declared an intention to resume strikes if the deal is violated.

These developments have disrupted global shipping routes, forcing companies to adopt longer and more costly detours around Africa. Larsen noted that security threats remain elevated given the uncertainty surrounding the ceasefire and the potential for further US or Israeli actions against the Houthis.

Notably, former President Joe Biden had rescinded the terrorist designation at the beginning of his term in 2021 to mitigate humanitarian concerns but later categorized the group as a “Specially Designated Global Terrorist” organization in response to escalating threats. Nonetheless, his administration refrained from imposing the harsher foreign terrorist organization designation until now.

In conclusion, the US designation of Yemen’s Houthis as a foreign terrorist organization raises significant concerns regarding regional security and humanitarian implications. The actions are intended to counteract threats to American personnel and global maritime stability. However, this designation could exacerbate the humanitarian crisis affecting millions in Yemen, necessitating the implementation of safeguards to protect vital humanitarian supplies while addressing security concerns.

Original Source: www.asiaone.com

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