The Biden administration is reportedly on the verge of designating Yemen’s Houthis as a terrorist organization, a move that would mark a significant shift from its earlier stance. This decision comes less than three years after the administration reversed a similar designation made during the Trump era. Sources familiar with the matter have indicated that an official announcement is expected soon.
The deliberation to redesignate the Houthis, an Iran-backed group, has sparked internal debate among U.S. officials. Some have expressed concerns that this move could jeopardize the delicate ceasefire currently in place between the warring parties in Yemen. There is also apprehension that the designation could hinder the transfer of crucial aid to Yemen, which is currently experiencing one of the gravest humanitarian crises globally.
Recent developments have influenced the U.S. government’s reconsideration of its stance on the Houthis. The U.S. military has conducted several strikes against the group within Yemen. These actions were in response to the Houthis’ targeting of commercial vessels in the Red Sea, some of which were reportedly en route to Israel. The Houthis have also been involved in attacks on U.S. warships in the region.
The Biden administration’s initial decision to remove the Houthis from the terror list faced criticism, particularly from Republican lawmakers. The reconsideration of the terror designation for the Houthis comes in the wake of multiple attacks last year on Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. Furthermore, the administration had previously removed the names of senior Houthi officials from the Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) list, a decision now under review.
