U.S. Reinstates Houthis as Foreign Terrorist Organization

The Trump administration re-designates Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi group, citing attacks on vessels and threats to global trade security.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the re-designation of Yemen's Houthi militia as a Foreign Terrorist Organization under President Trump's directive.
The Houthis have launched over 100 attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden since 2023, targeting U.S. and allied ships while sparing Chinese-flagged vessels.
The designation restores sanctions and penalties for providing material support to the group, aiming to curtail their activities and protect global maritime trade.
The Houthis, backed by Iran, have been engaged in a prolonged conflict with Yemen's internationally recognized government, leading to significant humanitarian and security concerns.
The U.N. recently suspended humanitarian operations in Houthi-controlled areas following the detention of U.N. staffers, highlighting growing concerns over human rights abuses in Yemen.