President Donald Trump has issued an executive order to redesignate Yemen’s Houthi rebels as a “foreign terrorist organization,” citing them as a threat to regional security. Critics argue that this move will worsen Yemen’s already dire humanitarian crisis.
The order reinstates a designation previously given to the group, backed by Iran and officially known as Ansar Allah, towards the end of Trump’s first administration. However, the Biden administration had lifted this designation shortly after taking office to facilitate peace talks in Yemen. Last year, the Biden team changed course and labeled the Houthis as a “specially designated global terrorist” organization in response to attacks against U.S. warships in the Red Sea.
The White House stated that the Houthis’ activities jeopardize the security of American civilians in the Middle East, their regional partners, and global maritime trade, prompting the need for cooperation with regional allies to eliminate the group’s capabilities. The U.S. Agency for International Development will also review its operations in Yemen and cut ties with any entities supporting the Houthis.
Yemen faces one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, with over half of its population requiring aid. Oxfam in Yemen’s manager believes that this designation will worsen the country’s economy and exacerbate the crisis further.
Israel has welcomed the redesignation of the Houthis, who have launched attacks on Israel in solidarity with Hamas. The rebels have also targeted commercial vessels in strategic maritime routes disrupting global trade. While the Houthis have announced a scaling back of attacks following a Gaza ceasefire, the redesignation is seen as a crucial step in combating terrorism in the region.
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