U.S. Designates Yemen’s Houthis as Foreign Terrorist Organization

The U.S. has re-designated Yemen’s Houthi movement as a “foreign terrorist organization,” imposing stricter sanctions in light of the group’s threats to maritime security. While supporters see this as a necessary action, critics warn about the adverse humanitarian impact. The Houthis’ recent attacks on shipping have raised alarms, prompting a reevaluation of U.S. strategy and aid efforts in Yemen.

On Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump re-designated Yemen’s Houthi movement, officially known as Ansar Allah, as a “foreign terrorist organization,” according to a statement from the White House. This re-designation will introduce stricter economic sanctions compared to those previously imposed by the Biden administration, as a response to the group’s assaults on commercial shipping in the Red Sea and its threats against U.S. warships in the area.

Supporters of this action assert that it is long overdue; however, some experts caution that it may impact humanitarian aid organizations perceived as assisting the Houthis. The White House highlighted that the group poses a significant threat to the safety of American citizens, regional allies, and the stability of international maritime commerce.

In response to the re-designation, the Houthis condemned the action as “unjust,” raising concerns about its economic and humanitarian repercussions for Yemen. They claim this decision further enables Israeli actions against Palestinians. The Houthis have increased aggressiveness in the Red Sea, conducting over 100 attacks since November 2023 and asserting these acts are in solidarity with Palestine amid the conflict involving Israel and Hamas.

The Houthi attacks have caused considerable disruption to global trade, forcing shipping companies to divert routes around southern Africa, which creates longer and more costly journeys. The Houthis have notably targeted critical regions such as the southern Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, linked by the Bab al-Mandab strait.

During the Biden presidency, military efforts were made to intercept Houthi attacks and diminish their military strength, albeit without targeting the Houthi leadership directly. In a shift from the Trump administration’s approach, Biden initially lifted the terrorist designations due to humanitarian concerns, later designating the group as a “Specially Designated Global Terrorist” amidst ongoing threats.

Oxfam, a British charity, expressed apprehension that this new designation will exacerbate the hardships faced by Yemeni civilians, particularly by complicating necessary supplies of food, medicine, and fuel. The organization’s director, Scott Paul, criticized the administration for its awareness of these potential consequences.

David Schenker, a former assistant secretary of state, indicated that the redesignation is primarily a strategic maneuver against one of Iran’s primary proxy forces in the region. He remarked that this action indicates the current administration’s intention to adopt a tougher stance against Iranian negotiations.

The Trump administration affirmed its commitment to collaborate with regional allies to incapacitate the Houthis and disrupt their resources, with the overarching goal of halting their assaults on American personnel and maritime traffic. This designation also instigates a comprehensive review of U.N. partners and NGOs operating in Yemen, aiming to sever ties with those that financially support the Houthis or neglect their terrorist activities.

Recently, the Houthis indicated a reduction in aggression in the Red Sea as a ceasefire agreement unfolded between Israel and Hamas. On the same day as the re-designation, they released the crew of the ‘Galaxy Leader,’ a commercial vessel taken a year ago off the Yemeni coast.

In conclusion, the U.S. re-designation of Yemen’s Houthis as a foreign terrorist organization marks a significant shift in U.S. policy that aims to reinforce global maritime security and counteract Iranian influence in the Middle East. While the move has been supported as necessary, it raises concerns regarding humanitarian implications for the Yemen population and global shipping stability. The administration’s strategic focus on eliminating Houthi capabilities indicates a broader effort to protect U.S. interests in the region.

Original Source: www.mtv.com.lb