The United States of America (US) has relisted a Yemeni-based militant group among a list of terror groups following a series of attacks targeting US military forces and international ships.
The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) announced the designation of the group in a statement on January 17, 2024.
According to the statement, the Houthis group of Yemen will be designated as a global terrorist group following repeated attacks.
“Today, in response to these continuing threats and attacks, the United States announced the designation of Ansarallah, also known as the Houthis, as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist,” read part of the statement.
CENTCOM further said the designation will take effect within 30 days, to allow the US to ensure robust humanitarian carve outs are in place.
US Sanctions
Furthermore, the statement noted that the humanitarian carves will ensure that the country’s action targets the Houthis and not the people of Yemen.
“We are rolling out unprecedented carve outs and licenses to help prevent adverse impacts on the Yemeni people.
The people of Yemen should not pay the price for the actions of the Houthis,” the statement added.
The designation includes sanctions against the group, cutting out essential services that may aid them.
CENTCOM further clarified that commercial shipments into Yemeni ports on which the Yemeni people rely for food, medicine and fuel will not be covered by the sanctions.
This is in addition to the carveouts included in all sanction’s programs for food, medicine, and humanitarian assistance.
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Likewise, President Biden said that the United States will not hesitate to take further actions to protect its people and the free flow of international commerce.
Who are the Houthis?
The Houthis are an extremist movement originating from Northwest Yemen that follows Zaydism, a branch of Shiite Islam.
Over the past months, the militants have engaged in unprecedented attacks against US military forces and international maritime vessels operating in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
US National security adviser Jake Sullivan said that the group has endangered U.S. personnel and civilians.
“These attacks fit the textbook definition of terrorism as they have endangered U.S. personnel, civilian mariners, and our partners, jeopardized global trade, and threatened freedom of navigation,” said Sullivan.
The US further noted that the designation is an important tool to impede terrorist funding to the Houthis, also restricting their access to financial markets.
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However, the US noted that if the Houthis cease their attacks in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, the country will immediately reevaluate this designation.
CENTCOM Strikes
Following the designation, CENTCOM forces conducted strikes on 14 Iran-backed Houthi missiles.
According to CENTCOM, the missiles were loaded to be fired in Houthi controlled areas in Yemen.
“These missiles on launch rails presented an imminent threat to merchant vessels and U.S. Navy ships in the region and could have been fired at any time, prompting U.S. forces to exercise their inherent right and obligation to defend themselves,” said CENTCOM.
