U.S. Designates Yemen’s Houthi Group as Foreign Terrorist Organization
The U.S. has designated Yemen’s Houthi group as a foreign terrorist organization, reinstating sanctions for those providing material support. Secretary Marco Rubio highlighted the Houthis’ recent attacks on U.S. and allied vessels and announced a reward for disrupting their financing. The UN has suspended operations due to escalating tensions, as the conflict continues to severely impact Yemen’s humanitarian situation.
On Tuesday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the restoration of the designation of Yemen’s Houthi group as a “foreign terrorist organization.” This designation brings with it significant sanctions, including penalties for entities providing material support to the group. Rubio emphasized the ongoing threat posed by the Houthis, stating that they have conducted hundreds of attacks against commercial vessels and U.S. service members since 2023.
Rubio further noted that the Houthis had recently discriminated in their attacks by sparing Chinese-flagged ships while targeting American and allied vessels. Following the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas conflict in October 2023, the Houthis have targeted over 100 merchant ships in the Red Sea, although they indicated a willingness to restrict their attacks to Israeli-affiliated vessels and warned of potential escalations.
A previous designation of the Houthis by the Trump administration was lifted by President Biden due to concerns regarding humanitarian aid delivery to Yemen, which faces one of the world’s direst crises. Rubio asserted that such concerns are no longer a barrier, indicating a U.S. resolve to discourage business engagement with the Houthis, whom he labeled terrorists.
Additionally, the U.S. State Department announced a reward of up to $15 million for information that disrupts Houthi financing as part of its “Rewards for Justice” program. Recent reports indicate that the United Nations has suspended humanitarian operations in Houthi strongholds following the detention of eight UN personnel by the group, highlighting growing tensions.
The Houthis have been engaged in conflict with Yemen’s internationally recognized government, supported by a Saudi-led coalition since 2014, when they captured significant territories including the capital, Sana’a. Over the years, the conflict has resulted in more than 150,000 fatalities and has devolved into a stalemate.
As the humanitarian crisis deepens, the UN estimates over 19 million people will require assistance this year, grappling with challenges such as malnutrition, cholera, and the socioeconomic impacts of the ongoing war.
The recent designation of Yemen’s Houthi group as a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S. underscores the ongoing regional conflict and the groups’ targeted attacks in strategic maritime trade corridors. With substantial humanitarian implications, this designation may influence both international responses to the Houthi actions and the broader humanitarian crisis in Yemen. Widespread humanitarian assistance is critical as millions face dire circumstances due to sustained conflict.
Original Source: ifpnews.com
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