The U.S. State Department has named Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis as a foreign terrorist organization, aligning with an executive order from President Trump. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that this designation is pivotal in the fight against terrorism. Amidst increased attacks on vessels in the Red Sea since the Israel-Hamas war, this action signals a strong U.S. stance against threats to regional stability and maritime security.
The State Department has officially designated the Iran-backed Houthis from Yemen as a foreign terrorist organization (FTO). This designation reinforces an executive order issued by President Donald Trump in January, marking a significant stance against terrorism. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed that such designations are vital in combating terrorism and hindering support for terrorist activities.
In his statement, Rubio emphasized that the United States will not accept nations that engage with organizations such as the Houthis. Trump initially included the Houthis on the FTO list following his return to the White House, as noted by the Washington Free Beacon. The executive order indicated that the actions of the Houthis jeopardize the safety of American citizens and interests in the Middle East, as well as threaten global maritime trade stability.
Since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war in October 2023, the Houthis have been involved in multiple assaults targeting American and Israeli vessels in the Red Sea. Rubio detailed that, since 2023, the group has launched numerous attacks against commercial ships in this region and against U.S. servicemen engaged in ensuring freedom of navigation alongside regional allies.
Although Trump labeled the Houthis as an FTO during his previous presidency, this designation was revoked by former President Joe Biden shortly after he took office in 2021, who then downgraded their status. The Trump administration criticized this action as a “weak policy,” asserting their intent to diminish the capabilities of the Houthis.
This recent designation by the Trump administration indicates a commitment to addressing the threats posed by the Houthis and reinforces the idea that terrorism will not be tolerated by the United States.
The designation of the Houthis as a foreign terrorist organization reflects a firm U.S. policy against terrorism, particularly amid rising threats in the Red Sea since the Israel-Hamas conflict. Secretary Rubio’s statements highlight the U.S. government’s intention to curb support for terrorist entities and protect its interests in the region. This move underscores the ongoing geopolitical challenges in the Middle East and the U.S. commitment to combatting terrorism.
Original Source: freebeacon.com
