U.S. Designates Ansarallah—Houthis as a Foreign Terrorist Organization
Washington — The United States Department of State on Tuesday has officially designated Ansarallah, commonly known as the Houthis, as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO). The announcement was made by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, reinforcing the Trump Administration’s commitment to counterterrorism efforts in the Middle East.
Secretary Rubio highlighted that this designation fulfills one of President Donald Trump’s key promises upon assuming office. Quoting Executive Order 14175, Rubio stated that “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.”
Houthis’ Escalating Threats
Since 2023, the Houthis have carried out hundreds of attacks against commercial vessels navigating the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. These attacks have also targeted U.S. service members engaged in defending freedom of navigation and ensuring the security of regional allies. Notably, the Houthis have allegedly spared Chinese-flagged ships while singling out American and allied vessels, further intensifying concerns over their strategic intent.
Crackdown on Terrorist Affiliations
The U.S. government has issued a stern warning against any country or entity engaging with the Houthis under the guise of legitimate international business. The new designation is expected to strengthen measures that restrict financial and logistical support to the group, thereby weakening its operational capabilities.
“Terrorist designations play a critical role in our fight against terrorism and are an effective way to curtail support for terrorist activities,” Rubio emphasized.
Implications of the FTO Designation
The designation, made under Section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, will take effect upon publication in the Federal Register. The classification imposes stringent restrictions on financial transactions involving the group, cutting off avenues of international support and further isolating the Houthis on the global stage.
Additionally, the Department of State’s Rewards for Justice program has announced a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to the disruption of Ansarallah’s financial mechanisms. Individuals with relevant intelligence can find more details and submit tips at Rewards for Justice.
This move is expected to trigger diplomatic responses from global stakeholders, particularly in the Middle East, as the Biden administration works to balance security imperatives with broader regional stability.
