WASHINGTON: The United States announced on Wednesday its decision to designate Yemen’s Houthi rebels as a specially designated global terrorist entity. The move comes in response to the Houthis’ repeated attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea.
A senior US administration official emphasized that the designation, set to take effect in 30 days, could be lifted if the Houthis cease their Red Sea attacks. The attacks on shipping are deemed a major threat to lives, global commerce, and the delivery of humanitarian assistance.
This move is part of the US strategy to exert pressure on the Houthis, and it follows recent military actions against the group. The US military destroyed four anti-ship missiles in Yemen, targeting what was described as an imminent threat to military and civilian vessels. The Houthis claim to carry out these attacks in support of Palestinians in Gaza amid the conflict with Israel.
In 2021, the Biden administration had removed the Houthis’ terrorist designation. The designation denies the Houthis access to the US financial system and allows for sanctions against their supporters.
