Executive Order 14175, signed by Donald Trump, seeks to reinforce pressure on the Iranian-backed armed group
The U.S. State Department announced the designation of Ansarallah, known as the Houthis, as a foreign terrorist organization, fulfilling one of former President Donald Trump's first promises upon taking office.
The measure seeks to increase pressure on the Yemeni rebel group, accused of destabilizing the region and threatening American interests.
According to Executive Order 14175, signed by Trump, “the Houthis' activities put at risk the safety of American civilians and personnel in the Middle East, compromise Washington's regional allies, and affect the stability of global maritime trade.”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the department had reinstated the designation, which carries sanctions and penalties for anyone who provides “material support” to the group.
Since 2023, the Houthis have stepped up their attacks in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, hitting commercial vessels and US military forces operating in the area. In recent months, the group has been accused of directing its offensives against vessels flying the US flag and those of its allies, while avoiding attacks on Chinese-flagged ships, a development that raised concerns in Washington.
In this context, the US administration made it clear that it will not tolerate any country maintaining links with groups classified as terrorists, even under the pretext of legitimate trade relations.
With this designation, the Trump administration seeks to strengthen its national security policy and combat what it considers a growing threat in the region. Terrorism classifications, according to the State Department, are a key tool for cutting off funding and support to armed groups operating outside the law.
The Houthis have attacked more than 100 merchant vessels in the critical trade corridor with missiles and drones since the war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip began in October 2023. In January, the group said it would limit its attacks in the Red Sea corridor to only Israeli-affiliated ships after a ceasefire began in the Gaza Strip, but warned that broader attacks could resume if necessary.
Trump's first Republican administration had similarly designated the Houthis in its final days, but The designation had been revoked by the Democratic administration of President Joe Biden for fear it would severely impact aid deliveries to Yemen, which was seen as facing one of the world's worst humanitarian crises.
The United Nations said last month that suspended their humanitarian operations in Yemen's Houthi rebel stronghold after they detained eight other UN officials.
In recent months, rebels have detained dozens of UN staff, as well as people associated with humanitarian aid groups, civil society and the former US embassy in Sanaa, Yemen's capital. None of the UN staff have been released.
The Iran-backed Houthis have been fighting Yemen's internationally recognised government, which is backed by a Saudi-led coalition, since 2014, when they abandoned their stronghold in Saada and seized control of Sanaa and most of the north.
(with information from AP)
Source: INFOBAE