US President Donald Trump has re-designated Yemen’s Houthis as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, citing security threats and impacting humanitarian operations. This decision reverses an earlier designation lifted by former President Biden, amid severe humanitarian issues in Yemen. The Houthis have recently escalated attacks on maritime targets, leading to regional tensions, while US policies aim to counter their influence in the Middle East.
On January 10, 2024, US President Donald Trump re-designated Yemen’s Houthi rebel group as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO), citing threats to American civilians, allies, and global trade stability. An executive order mandates that the US Agency for International Development (USAID) cease partnerships with those who have engaged with the Houthis or criticized countermeasures against the group, potentially hindering humanitarian efforts in Yemen.
This move comes after former President Joe Biden lifted the designation in 2021 amid severe humanitarian concerns stemming from a civil war in Yemen that began when the Houthis took control of the north-west region a decade ago. The conflict has resulted in over 150,000 deaths and left millions displaced and in need of assistance. While Biden reinstated a lesser designation as Specially Designated Global Terrorist last January, Trump’s FTO designation imposes stricter penalties.
The Houthis have increasingly targeted commercial vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden to express solidarity with Palestinians in the ongoing Gaza conflict. Their actions resulted in the sinking of two ships and the death of four crew members. Despite military responses, including airstrikes from Israel and coalition forces, the Houthis claim their attacks target only vessels linked to the US, UK, or Israel.
The designation by Trump necessitates that US financial institutions freeze Houthi assets and prohibits members from entering the United States. It also subjects any individuals providing support to the Houthis to prosecution under US terrorism laws. Humanitarian organizations have expressed concern that these actions may impede relief operations in Houthi-controlled areas, where many Yemenis reside.
In response to the designation, the Houthi leadership did not issue an immediate statement, though Abdul Rahman al-Ahnumi warned of retaliatory actions. Conversely, Rashad al-Alimi of Yemen’s presidential council expressed gratitude towards Trump’s decision, viewing it as crucial for accountability and a pathway to regional stability.
The ongoing civil war in Yemen erupted in 2014 when the Houthi movement seized control of the capital, Sana’a, leading to military intervention by a Saudi-led coalition aiming to restore the internationally recognized government. The conflict has resulted in a severe humanitarian crisis, with millions facing hunger and displacement. The US has maintained a complex relationship with Yemen and the Houthis, balancing counter-terrorism efforts against humanitarian commitments. The designation as an FTO underscores an escalating strategy to address perceived threats posed by the Houthis, particularly in light of recent maritime aggression linked to the conflict in Gaza.
In summary, President Donald Trump’s re-designation of the Houthis as a Foreign Terrorist Organization underscores a significant shift in US policy, aiming to curb the group’s regional influence and protect international trade. This approach may complicate humanitarian efforts amidst an ongoing crisis in Yemen, raising concerns about the potential impact on innocent civilians. The responses from both Houthi leaders and Yemeni officials illustrate the polarized perspectives surrounding this designation.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
