The US Department of State has designated Yemen’s Houthi movement as a “foreign terrorist” organisation, imposing sanctions and penalties on those providing material support to the group. The move comes after former President Joe Biden reversed a similar designation by his predecessor Donald Trump in 2021.
According to the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the Houthis’ activities pose a threat to American civilians, regional partners, and global maritime trade. The designations carry significant implications, including restrictions on commercial dealings with the group.
Trump had set the process in motion in January 2021, listing the Houthi movement as a “foreign terrorist” organisation and an SDGT entity. However, Biden’s administration reversed the designation, citing concerns over Yemen’s dire humanitarian situation.
The White House stated that Biden’s reversal led to increased attacks on US Navy warships and commercial vessels, highlighting the need for cooperation with regional partners to eliminate Houthi capabilities and operations. The current designation restores Trump-era policies, aiming to deprive the group of resources and end their attacks on US personnel, civilians, and maritime shipping in the Red Sea.
Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/3/4/us-designates-yemens-houthis-as-foreign-terrorist-organisation