The U.S. has designated Yemen’s Houthis as a foreign terrorist organization, reaffirming Trump’s earlier order. This designation follows the group’s aggressive actions during the Gaza conflict and is expected to have implications on humanitarian aid in Yemen, which is already facing severe crises.

The United States has formally classified Yemen’s Houthis as a foreign terrorist organization, in accordance with an executive order signed by President Donald Trump in January. The Iran-aligned rebels control significant territories in Yemen, including the capital, Sanaa, and have conducted missile and drone strikes targeting Israel since the initiation of the Gaza conflict in October 2023. Additionally, they have been responsible for attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, which are critical international shipping routes.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized in a statement that, “Today’s action taken by the State Department demonstrates the Trump Administration’s commitment to protecting our national security interests, the safety of the American people, and the security of the United States.” The designation reinstates the Houthis on the Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTO) list, which Trump first established during his presidency. Although former President Joe Biden had lifted the designation for humanitarian reasons, Trump has reinstated it through executive action.

The recent classification indicates that any direct involvement or support for the Houthis could result in legal consequences from the United States. Yemen, which was the poorest nation on the Arabian Peninsula even before the current conflict, is now facing one of the most severe humanitarian crises globally, with approximately two-thirds of its 34 million residents requiring humanitarian aid. Previous warnings from aid organizations indicate that sanctions on the Houthis may obstruct the distribution of vital supplies to civilians residing in Houthi-controlled areas.

In summary, the U.S. government’s recent designation of Yemen’s Houthis as a foreign terrorist organization reflects a commitment to safeguarding national security, while concurrently invoking concerns about humanitarian impacts on a nation already in crisis. The subsequent legal implications for engagement with the Houthis intensify the urgency of addressing the ongoing humanitarian situation in Yemen.

Original Source: newscentral.africa

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