U.S. State Department Announces the Implementation of Decision Designating Houthis as a “Terrorist Organization”
Yemen Monitor / Newsroom:
The U.S. State Department announced on Tuesday the implementation of the decision to designate the Houthi group as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, a move that comes as the fulfillment of one of the first promises made by President Donald Trump since taking office.
In its statement, the State Department said that the Houthis’ activities pose a threat to the security of civilians and U.S. personnel in the Middle East, as well as endanger the safety of the USs’ closest regional partners and the stability of global maritime trade, in accordance with Executive Order 14175 issued by President Trump.
The statement pointed out that since 2023, the Houthis have carried out hundreds of attacks against commercial ships in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, in addition to targeting U.S. forces defending freedom of navigation and regional partners.
It also noted that the group refrained from targeting ships flying the Chinese flag, while targeting U.S. and allied vessels.
Washington affirmed that it “will not tolerate any country dealing with terrorist organizations like the Houthis under the guise of legitimate commercial activities.”
The U.S. stressed that this move “reflects the Trump administration’s commitment to protecting U.S. security interests and the safety of its citizens, as well as contributing to limiting the support received by terrorist groups.”
President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Wednesday re-designating the Houthis as a “Foreign Terrorist Organization,” according to a White House announcement.
During his first term, Trump administration had listed the Houthis as a Foreign Terrorist Organization in January 2021.
