Amid a deteriorating humanitarian situation in Yemen, Trump's administration aims to clamp down on the Houthis' operations.
Trump Redesignates Houthi Rebels as a Terrorist Organization
Trump Redesignates Houthi Rebels as a Terrorist Organization
New executive order enforces severe penalties on the Iran-backed group responsible for multiple regional threats.
President Donald Trump has taken a decisive step in U.S. foreign policy by issuing an executive order that reclassifies Yemen's Houthi rebels, also known as Ansar Allah, as a "foreign terrorist organization." The White House emphasized in a statement that this designation stems from the group's ongoing threats to regional stability and security, particularly highlighting their attacks on Israel and disruption of shipping routes in the Red Sea.
This reclassification reinstates a previous designation made during Trump's first term, which was reversed by the Biden administration soon after it took office. The Biden administration had sought to facilitate peace negotiations amidst Yemen's protracted civil conflict; however, it later shifted to labeling the Houthis as a "specially designated global terrorist" organization following a series of attacks on U.S. naval vessels in the region.
In the statement concerning the recent executive order, the White House noted, "The Houthis’ activities threaten the security of American civilians and personnel in the Middle East, the safety of our closest regional partners, and the stability of global maritime trade." Trump's directive includes measures to enhance cooperation with regional partners to limit the Houthis' capabilities and operations.
Additionally, the order mandates the U.S. Agency for International Development to scrutinize the activities of the United Nations and other agencies working in Yemen, directing them to sever ties with any organization that has made payments to the Houthis or opposed international efforts against the group.
The situation in Yemen remains dire, with over 18 million people—more than half the population—requiring humanitarian assistance, according to United Nations estimates. Critics of the Trump administration's move warn that worsening sanctions against the Houthis could lead to escalated humanitarian issues for the civilian population already suffering in one of the world’s worst crises.
This reclassification reinstates a previous designation made during Trump's first term, which was reversed by the Biden administration soon after it took office. The Biden administration had sought to facilitate peace negotiations amidst Yemen's protracted civil conflict; however, it later shifted to labeling the Houthis as a "specially designated global terrorist" organization following a series of attacks on U.S. naval vessels in the region.
In the statement concerning the recent executive order, the White House noted, "The Houthis’ activities threaten the security of American civilians and personnel in the Middle East, the safety of our closest regional partners, and the stability of global maritime trade." Trump's directive includes measures to enhance cooperation with regional partners to limit the Houthis' capabilities and operations.
Additionally, the order mandates the U.S. Agency for International Development to scrutinize the activities of the United Nations and other agencies working in Yemen, directing them to sever ties with any organization that has made payments to the Houthis or opposed international efforts against the group.
The situation in Yemen remains dire, with over 18 million people—more than half the population—requiring humanitarian assistance, according to United Nations estimates. Critics of the Trump administration's move warn that worsening sanctions against the Houthis could lead to escalated humanitarian issues for the civilian population already suffering in one of the world’s worst crises.
