Trump Redesignates Yemen's Houthi Group as a Foreign Terrorist Organization

January 23, 2025

12:05 PM

Reading time: 3 minutes


In a significant move, US President Donald Trump has re-designated the Yemen-based Houthi group, also known as Ansar Allah, as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO). The announcement, made by the White House on Wednesday, reverses the Biden administration's earlier decision to remove the Houthis from the FTO list.

The Houthis were initially designated as a terrorist organization by Trump in January 2021 during his presidency. However, after taking office, President Biden lifted the designation, a decision that has now been reversed.

The White House explained that the Houthis have shown continued hostility toward the United States and its allies. Citing specific actions, the statement noted that, under the Biden administration's policy, the Houthis have fired on US Navy warships, attacked civilian infrastructure in partner countries, and launched over 100 attacks on commercial vessels passing through the Bab al-Mandeb strait.

The re-designation aims to strengthen US efforts in countering Houthi operations and limiting their resources. The White House emphasized that, under Trump’s leadership, the US would work closely with regional partners to eliminate the Houthis' capabilities, halt their attacks on US personnel and civilians, and prevent future threats to maritime shipping in the Red Sea.

The US government also called for a review of organizations operating in Yemen, including United Nations partners and NGOs, to ensure that none are supporting or aiding the Houthis.

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