President Donald Trump has issued an executive order initiating the process to designate Ansar Allah, also known as the Houthis, as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO). The move underscores the administration’s commitment to curbing threats posed by the Iranian-backed militant group and protecting U.S. interests and allies in the Middle East.
The order cites the Houthis’ attacks on U.S. Navy warships, civilian infrastructure in the region, and commercial shipping vessels in the Red Sea. According to the White House, these activities have jeopardized the safety of American personnel and disrupted global trade routes, contributing to economic instability.
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“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 said.
Under the order, the Secretary of State is required to submit a report within 30 days to assess the designation of the Houthis as a terrorist organization, following consultation with intelligence and financial agencies.
Key objectives outlined in the order include:
- Eliminating Houthi capabilities by cutting off financial support and arms supply from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC-QF).
- Protecting maritime shipping by working with regional allies to enhance security in the Red Sea and surrounding waterways.
- Identifying and terminating USAID partnerships with entities found to have financial links to the Houthis.
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Upon designation, the U.S. will impose severe sanctions that will restrict the group’s access to financial markets, freeze their assets, and criminalize support for their activities.
The designation of the Houthis as an FTO could have far-reaching implications for humanitarian operations in Yemen, as the group controls much of the country’s territory, including the capital, Sana’a. Aid organizations operating in Houthi-held areas could face challenges in delivering assistance due to legal restrictions and potential funding cutoffs.
The decision to designate the Houthis has drawn mixed reactions. Some lawmakers and regional partners, such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, have welcomed the move, arguing it is necessary to curb Iran’s influence in the region.
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The State Department is expected to submit its report to the White House in the coming weeks, with the formal designation likely to follow shortly after. The executive order directs USAID and other federal agencies to reassess their operations in Yemen and take immediate action against entities that may have financial ties to the Houthis.
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