US Government Re-designates Houthis as Foreign Terrorist Organization

The Iran-backed Houthi movement in Yemen has been officially designated as a foreign terrorist organization. This announcement came from Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday. The designation fulfills a significant commitment made by President Donald Trump during his early days in office.

In his statement, Rubio emphasized that the United States will not tolerate any country engaging in business with what he termed terrorist organizations, specifically referencing the Houthis. He stated, “Today’s action taken by the State Department reflects the Trump Administration’s commitment to safeguarding our national security interests, protecting the safety of American citizens, and ensuring the security of the United States.”

Rubio further remarked that these terrorist designations are crucial in the fight against terrorism. He pointed out that such actions serve as effective measures to limit support for terrorist activities.

Recent Hostilities by the Houthis

Since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel, the Houthis have reportedly conducted over 100 assaults on vessels traversing the Red Sea. This escalation of hostilities coincides with the ongoing conflict in Gaza. In response, U.S. military forces have taken steps to protect their warships patrolling the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait. Their efforts have included escorting commercial ships to prevent assaults by Houthi forces.

Escalation of Attacks Against US Forces

In a notable escalation, the Houthis have recently targeted U.S. military aircraft, including fighter jets and drones, with Surface-to-Air missiles. This marks a worrying development in their operational capabilities and signifies a shift in their engagement tactics.

Historical Context of Houthi Designation

The designation of the Houthis as a foreign terrorist organization is not a new phenomenon. In January, Trump re-designated the Houthis, citing that their actions threaten both American civilians and military personnel in the Middle East. In his executive order, he expressed concerns over the safety of regional partners and the stability of global maritime trade.

Previously, during his first term, Trump had categorized the Houthis as a terrorist organization. However, President Joe Biden’s administration reversed this designation just one month after taking office in 2021. The Biden administration aimed to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to Yemen amid a deteriorating humanitarian crisis.

Reactions to the Designation

The re-designation has sparked discussions across policy-making circles. Advocates of the move argue that reestablishing this label will enable the U.S. to better press its allies to refrain from engaging with the Houthis. Critics, on the other hand, caution that such a designation might hinder incoming humanitarian relief amidst an already critical situation in Yemen.

Debate on Counter-Houthi Strategies

There has been an ongoing policy debate within the U.S. military regarding how to effectively counter the Houthi threat. Some military officials advocate for a more conventional counterterrorism strategy that involves targeted strikes against senior leaders and operatives orchestrating the attacks. Others call for a defensive strategy that targets Houthi infrastructure and locations where weapons are stored.

The contrasting views reflect a broader discourse on national security strategy. The optimal approach to curb Houthi aggression remains uncertain despite the urgency of the threat.

Houthi Leadership Statements

Following President Trump’s remarks about the Palestinian situation, Houthi leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi declared in a televised address that the group would pursue military actions against both the U.S. and Israel. This statement highlights the Houthis’ intentions to expand their military operations beyond Yemen and into the broader regional conflict involving Israel and Palestine.

Conclusion of the Designation Process

The re-designation of the Houthis as a foreign terrorist organization marks a significant pivot in the U.S. approach to the Yemeni conflict. By reaffirming this designation, the Trump Administration signals a commitment to a tougher stance against groups perceived as threats to American security and regional stability. As this designation unfolds, the implications for regional geopolitics, humanitarian efforts, and U.S. military strategy could be profound.

Fox News’ Jennifer Griffin contributed to this report.