Washington: U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday re-designated Yemen’s Houthi movement, formally known as Ansar Allah, as a “foreign terrorist organization”, according to a statement from the White House.
The decision imposes stricter economic penalties on the Iran-aligned group compared to the measures implemented under the Biden administration. These penalties aim to counter the Houthis’ repeated attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea and U.S. warships protecting the vital maritime chokepoint.
Proponents of the designation argue it is long overdue, though some experts warn it could affect aid organizations seen as supporting the Houthis. “The Houthis’ activities threaten the security of American civilians and personnel in the Middle East, the safety of our closest regional partners, and the stability of global maritime trade,” the White House stated.
Escalating Attacks in the Red Sea
The Houthis, who control most of Yemen, have intensified their maritime operations in the Red Sea since November 2023. Claiming solidarity with Palestinians amid the Israel-Hamas conflict, the group has launched over 100 attacks, sinking two ships, seizing another, and causing the deaths of four seafarers. These actions have disrupted global shipping, forcing companies to divert routes around southern Africa, significantly increasing costs.
Targeting key regions such as the southern Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, connected by the Bab al-Mandab strait, the Houthis have become a central concern for international shipping.
U.S. Policy Response
Under President Joe Biden, the U.S. initially removed the terrorist designation for humanitarian reasons in 2021. However, escalating Red Sea attacks prompted Biden to list the Houthis as a “Specially Designated Global Terrorist” organization in 2023, without applying the full weight of an FTO designation.
The Trump administration emphasized a more aggressive approach. “The U.S. will work with regional partners to eliminate Houthi capabilities, deprive it of resources, and thereby end its attacks on U.S. personnel and civilians, U.S. partners, and maritime shipping in the Red Sea,” the White House stated. Additionally, Trump directed USAID to sever ties with any entities accused of aiding the Houthis or ignoring their terrorist activities.
Also Read | South Korean Investigators Push for Yoon’s Indictment Over Abuse of Power
Humanitarian Concerns
The designation has sparked criticism from aid organizations, which warn of worsening conditions for Yemeni civilians. British charity Oxfam cautioned that the move could disrupt essential imports of food, medicine, and fuel. “The Trump administration is aware of these consequences but chose to move forward anyway, and will bear responsibility for the hunger and disease that will follow,” said Scott Paul, Oxfam America’s director of peace and security.
Also Read | Trump Names Sean Curran as New Secret Service Director
Expert Opinions
David Schenker, former assistant secretary of state for Near Eastern affairs, supported the decision, describing it as a necessary step against one of Iran’s main proxy forces in the Middle East. However, he acknowledged the designation might not alter the group’s behavior significantly.
The Houthis recently signaled a potential de-escalation in the Red Sea following a multi-phase ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. They also released the crew of the Galaxy Leader, a commercial vessel seized over a year ago off Yemen’s coast.
