U.S. Reinstates Terrorist Designation for Yemen’s Houthis
The United States has officially reinstated the designation of Yemen’s Houthi movement, known as Ansar Allah, as a “Foreign Terrorist Organization” (FTO). This action, announced by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, aligns with President Donald Trump’s recent executive order aimed at intensifying economic and political pressure on the Iran-aligned group.
The Houthis, a Shiite Muslim group originating from northern Yemen, have been engaged in a protracted conflict against Yemen’s internationally recognized government since 2014. Their ties to Iran have been a point of contention, with allegations of receiving military and financial support from Tehran. The group’s slogan, “Death to America, Death to Israel, Curse the Jews, Victory to Islam,” shows their ideological stance.
In January 2021, during President Trump’s first term, the Houthis were initially designated as an FTO. However, in February 2021, the Biden administration revoked this designation, citing humanitarian concerns and the potential impediment to aid delivery in Yemen. Despite this, the Houthis continued their aggressive actions, including attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea and missile strikes targeting Israel. These escalations prompted the Biden administration to label the group as a “Specially Designated Global Terrorist” (SDGT) organization in January 2024.
The Houthis have intensified their military activities, notably launching missile and drone attacks against Israeli targets. In July 2024, a Houthi drone struck an apartment building in Tel Aviv, resulting in casualties and highlighting the group’s expanding operational reach. This incident marked a significant escalation, as it was the first successful Houthi attack on Israeli territory.
In response to these threats, Israel has conducted airstrikes targeting Houthi-controlled infrastructure in Yemen, including ports, oil facilities, and the airport in the capital, Sanaa. The United States has also engaged in military actions against the Houthis; in December 2024, U.S. forces carried out precision strikes in Yemen following attacks on American warships and commercial vessels in the Red Sea.
The reinstatement of the FTO designation imposes significant restrictions on the Houthis, including sanctions aimed at isolating them financially and diplomatically. Supporters of this measure argue that it is a necessary response to the group’s ongoing aggressive actions, which threaten regional stability and international maritime security.
The Houthis’ actions have had broader implications for international shipping and regional security. Their attacks on vessels in the Red Sea have disrupted one of the world’s busiest maritime corridors, prompting the formation of multinational coalitions to ensure the safety of navigation. The group’s alignment with Iran positions them as a significant player in the broader geopolitical dynamics of the Middle East, challenging U.S. and allied interests in the region.