U.S. President Trump has reclassified Yemen’s Houthi movement as a foreign terrorist organization, enforcing tougher economic sanctions due to their attacks on shipping and U.S. warships. Experts warn it may worsen humanitarian issues in Yemen and impact aid organizations. The Houthis have condemned the decision, claiming it further exacerbates the suffering of civilians. The U.S. aims to strengthen regional security and curb Iranian influence through this designation while grappling with the implications for humanitarian aid.
U.S. President Donald Trump has re-designated Yemen’s Houthi movement, officially known as Ansar Allah, as a “foreign terrorist organization” (FTO), according to the White House. This decision enforces stricter economic sanctions compared to those previously implemented by the Biden administration, motivated by the Houthis’ attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea and U.S. naval operations protecting this essential maritime passage.
Supporters of the re-designation argue that it has been necessary for some time, although experts caution that it may affect humanitarian efforts aimed at assisting the Houthis, including various aid organizations. The White House stated, “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.”
The Houthis condemned the U.S. action as “unjust,” claiming it will worsen the humanitarian crisis in Yemen and exacerbate economic conditions. Al-Masirah TV, affiliated with the Houthis, reported the group’s concerns, which included an accusation that U.S. policies support Israel’s operations against Palestinians. The Houthis maintain that their attacks on maritime targets connect with their stance on Palestinian issues, executing over 100 assaults since November 2023.
The Houthi campaign has severely disrupted global shipping routes, compelling companies to shift to lengthier and more costly maritime paths around southern Africa. The group focuses on the strategic southern Red Sea and Gulf of Aden corridor, linked by the Bab al-Mandab strait, a vital passageway in global trade between Africa and the Middle East.
During Biden’s administration, U.S. military efforts aimed to suppress Houthi attacks to protect commercial traffic, including periodic strikes to hinder Houthi capabilities without targeting the group’s leadership. Initially, Biden rescinded Trump’s FTO designations in 2021 but reclassified the organization as a “Specially Designated Global Terrorist” entity last year due to escalating attacks.
Charity organizations like Oxfam have warned that the current designation will exacerbate the suffering of Yemeni civilians by obstructing critical imports of food, medicine, and fuel. Scott Paul of Oxfam America stated, “The Trump administration is aware of these consequences but chose to move forward anyway, and will bear responsibility for the hunger and disease that will follow.”
David Schenker, former assistant secretary of state for Near Eastern affairs, characterized the re-designation as a prompt action against an important Iranian proxy. He noted, “While the redesignation likely won’t have a positive impact on the group’s behavior, the measure suggests the new administration is not looking to induce (or cajole) the Iranians to negotiations through blandishment.”
The Trump administration emphasized its commitment to collaborating with regional allies to counter Houthi strength and limit their resources to avert attacks on U.S. entities and maritime trade. Additionally, the designation instigates a review of U.N. partners and NGOs engaged within Yemen, instructing USAID to sever ties with groups supporting the Houthis or neglecting efforts against their terrorism.
In light of recent ceasefire developments with Israeli-Hamas negotiations, the Houthis have signaled an intent to reduce attacks in the Red Sea. They also released the crew of the Galaxy Leader, a commercial vessel they had captured over a year prior, marking a potential shift in their operational focus following diplomatic discussions.
The U.S. re-designation of the Houthis as a foreign terrorist organization imposes stringent economic penalties amid ongoing conflict and humanitarian crises in Yemen. The move highlights U.S. concerns regarding regional security and maritime stability. Experts warn that the designation could adversely impact humanitarian efforts, and organizations like Oxfam have criticized the lack of consideration for civilian suffering in Yemen. The situation underscores the complex interplay between global politics, regional security, and humanitarian needs.
Original Source: www.mtv.com.lb
