In a move that could have far-reaching implications for the ongoing conflict in Yemen, the United States government has announced its decision to label Yemen’s Houthi rebels as a “terrorist” organization. This comes after recent strikes by the US on Houthi targets in response to their attacks on vessels in the Red Sea.
The Houthi rebels, also known as Ansarallah, have been conducting operations aimed at ships with links to Israel, stating that they will continue their attacks until Israel’s war on Gaza ceases. In response to these threats and attacks, the US has designated the Houthis as “Specially Designated Global Terrorists,” according to White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan.
However, the designation does not come into effect for another 30 days, giving the Houthis an opportunity to cease their attacks. If the attacks in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden cease, the US will reevaluate the designation, Sullivan added.
Houthi spokesman Mohammed Abdulsalam responded to the announcement, stating that the designation would not deter the group from preventing Israeli ships or ships heading to Israel from crossing strategic waterways. He affirmed the Houthi’s unwavering support for the Palestinian people.
This designation by the US marks a policy reversal from the previous administration under President Donald Trump, who designated the Houthis as a “foreign terrorist organization.” The move was met with strong objections from human rights and humanitarian aid groups.
Under President Joe Biden’s administration, Secretary of State Antony Blinken delisted the Houthis as a “foreign terrorist organization” in an effort to facilitate humanitarian aid into Yemen. However, the Biden administration has now reinstated the designation to protect international commerce, according to reports.
The reinstated designation will trigger sanctions on anyone, state, or entity that provides material support to the Houthis. This could lead to further sanctions on Iran, as the Houthis are backed by Iran. It also means that members of the Houthi group will be banned from entering the United States, and any Houthi funds in US financial institutions will be frozen.
US officials have emphasized that they will design the financial penalties in a way that minimizes harm to Yemen’s already vulnerable population. Yemen is home to 32 million people who are among the world’s poorest and most food-insecure due to years of war between the Houthis and a Saudi-led coalition supporting Yemen’s internationally recognized government.
The US government has assured that commercial shipments into Yemeni ports, which are vital for food, medicine, and fuel supplies, will not be affected by the sanctions.
However, aid officials have expressed concerns about the potential repercussions of the designation. Oxfam America Associate Director Scott Paul warned that it would only add “another level of uncertainty and threat” to the Yemeni people, who are already trapped in one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises.
As the US moves forward with the implementation of this designation, robust outreach to stakeholders, aid providers, and partners will be conducted to ensure the facilitation of humanitarian assistance and the import of critical commodities into Yemen, according to Secretary of State Blinken.
The situation in Yemen remains highly complex and volatile, with the designation of the Houthi rebels as a “terrorist” organization likely to have significant implications for the ongoing conflict and the already dire humanitarian situation in the country.
