Trump’s order resurfaces: U.S. labels Houthis terrorists as attacks escalate

Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed the designation, which imposes sanctions and penalties on anyone providing “material support” to the group.

The Houthis, who are backed by Iran, have launched numerous attacks in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden since 2023. These attacks have primarily targeted commercial vessels, including those used by U.S. service members, as well as allied ships. Rubio noted that, recently, the Houthis had focused their attacks on American and allied vessels, while sparing Chinese-flagged ships.

Since the onset of the Israel-Hamas conflict in October 2023, the Houthis have escalated their targeting of over 100 merchant vessels in the vital shipping lanes. Although in January 2024, the group indicated it would limit its attacks to Israeli-affiliated vessels following a ceasefire in Gaza, it also warned that more extensive assaults could resume if necessary.

The Houthis were first designated as a foreign terrorist organization during the final days of the Trump administration, but the designation was revoked by President Joe Biden’s administration, citing concerns over the negative impact on humanitarian aid to Yemen. However, Rubio’s statement emphasized that the situation had changed, and the U.S. would no longer tolerate engagement with groups like the Houthis in the name of legitimate international business.

In addition to reinstating the terrorist designation, the U.S. State Department also announced that its Rewards for Justice program would offer up to $15 million for information that helps disrupt Houthi financing. The United Nations has also faced challenges, with recent reports indicating that the Houthis detained eight more U.N. staff members, further complicating humanitarian efforts. The Houthis’ long-standing conflict with Yemen's internationally recognized government, backed by a Saudi-led coalition, has led to a humanitarian crisis in the region, with more than 150,000 casualties and over 19 million people in need of aid this year.