The U.S. State Department on Tuesday implemented the designation of Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement as a foreign terrorist organization (FTO), following President Donald Trump’s directive earlier this year.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the move was necessary as Houthi attacks threaten American personnel, regional security, and global maritime trade.
“The United States will not tolerate any country engaging with terrorist organizations like the Houthis in the name of practicing legitimate international business,” Rubio stated.
The designation raises fears of worsening Yemen’s humanitarian crisis, as aid groups warn that importers may avoid the country due to U.S. sanctions.
U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric cautioned that limiting access to essential supplies could have “devastating humanitarian consequences” for 19 million Yemenis in need.
BIMCO security official Jakob Larsen warned the move could escalate regional tensions, affecting shipping routes in the Red Sea.
The Houthis, who control most of Yemen, have launched over 100 attacks since November 2023 on commercial ships and U.S. naval forces, claiming to act in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.
The group has sunk two vessels, seized another, and killed at least four seafarers.
They have also targeted Israel with missile and drone strikes.
In January, Houthi leaders warned they would resume attacks if an Israel-Hamas ceasefire failed.
The FTO designation marks a sharp policy shift. While Trump initially labeled the Houthis a terrorist group in 2021, former President Joe Biden reversed the decision, citing humanitarian concerns.
In 2023, Biden designated the Houthis as "Specially Designated Global Terrorists" (SDGT) but stopped short of the full FTO classification.
Now, under Trump’s directive, the harsher designation has been reinstated, imposing tougher economic penalties on the group.
With shipping disruptions ongoing and uncertainty over the Gaza ceasefire, experts warn the security situation in the Red Sea remains volatile.
Dozens of people were killed in Israeli strikes on Lebanon on Tuesday, Lebanese officials said, straining a fragile ceasefire agreed between the cou...
As Britain's sanctions on three Georgia-registered companies made headlines on 26 May, the Georgian side of the story was already complicated. The Nat...
European companies are continuing to deepen their presence in China, with nearly seven in ten firms maintaining or expanding their supply chains despi...
Britain has announced fresh sanctions targeting cryptocurrency exchanges, financial networks and banks accused of helping Russia evade Western restric...
Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Kazakhstan on Wednesday for a three-day state visit focused on energy, transport and economic cooperation ...
Dozens of people were killed in Israeli strikes on Lebanon on Tuesday, Lebanese officials said, straining a fragile ceasefire agreed between the countries in April. The attacks came as Iran accused the U.S. of violating a separate ceasefire with strikes near the Strait of Hormuz.
Britain has announced fresh sanctions targeting cryptocurrency exchanges, financial networks and banks accused of helping Russia evade Western restrictions imposed after the invasion of Ukraine.
Muslims around the world have marked Eid al-Adha with prayers, celebrations and acts of charity, though for many Palestinians the holiday unfolded amid conflict, restrictions and loss.
Israeli forces carried out more than 120 airstrikes across southern and eastern Lebanon on Tuesday (26 May), killing at least 31 people in one of the heaviest bombardments in recent weeks, according to Lebanese security and health officials.
Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for 26 May, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Iran has called Monday's U.S. strikes on it 'a gross violation' of their ceasefire. The U.S. military said it carried out defensive strikes in southern Iran after boats were seen laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, the U.S. says a peace deal may require several more days.
The new AnewZ documentary, TARGET: Yerevan, builds its explosive case on exclusive, secret recordings originally published by Minval Politika.
Dozens of people were killed in Israeli strikes on Lebanon on Tuesday, Lebanese officials said, straining a fragile ceasefire agreed between the countries in April. The attacks came as Iran accused the U.S. of violating a separate ceasefire with strikes near the Strait of Hormuz.
Chinese investigators have uncovered hidden tunnels, missing worker trackers and fake underground walls during an initial investigation into the country’s deadliest mining disaster in more than 15 years.
Britain has announced fresh sanctions targeting cryptocurrency exchanges, financial networks and banks accused of helping Russia evade Western restrictions imposed after the invasion of Ukraine.
China’s carbon emissions grew far less than previously thought over the past five years, according to a new analysis that is drawing close attention from climate researchers worldwide.
Muslims around the world have marked Eid al-Adha with prayers, celebrations and acts of charity, though for many Palestinians the holiday unfolded amid conflict, restrictions and loss.
Spanish police visited the headquarters of the ruling Socialist Party (PSOE) in Madrid on Wednesday as part of a widening High Court investigation into alleged attempts to interfere with judicial proceedings involving party and government figures.
Latvia is strengthening its anti-drone capabilities along its borders with Russia and Moscow-allied Belarus after several drones entered the NATO member’s airspace, according to a senior military official.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment