The Biden administration is facing mounting pressure to take action against Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis as a result of their recent attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea.
According to sources, their removal from the Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTO) list in February 2021 is set to be reversed, and they are expected to be redesignated as a terrorist group. This move comes after the Houthis launched a series of attacks in response to Israel’s military campaign against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, and the situation has raised concerns about the possibility of a regional conflict.
Officials familiar with the matter have told Fox News that it is unclear whether the Houthis will be placed back on the list of Foreign Terrorist Organizations or the Specially Designated Global Terrorist list. However, there are multiple sanction options available to the administration apart from a formal FTO finding. This decision is expected to be announced soon, as the Houthis continue to pose a threat to international shipping in the Red Sea. The recent attacks have been disruptive, forcing vessels to divert and causing major delays.
In February 2021, Secretary of State Antony Blinken delisted the Houthis as a foreign terrorist organization and as specially designated global terrorists. This move, which was made by the Biden administration, aimed to ease the process of providing humanitarian aid to Yemen. The decision was a reversal of former President Trump’s move to place the Houthis on the FTO list in the final days of his presidency. Human rights and aid organizations had strongly opposed the FTO designation, warning of the potential for a humanitarian catastrophe in Yemen.
However, the recent attacks by the Houthis have raised concerns about the Houthis’ intentions and actions. The group has launched dozens of attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea, causing disruptions and putting mariners from various countries at risk. According to U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas Greenfield, since November 2020, around 2,000 ships have been forced to detour thousands of miles to avoid the Red Sea. Last week, Houthi militants reportedly threatened or took hostage mariners from more than 20 countries.
The growing threat from the Houthis has prompted the Biden administration to take action. On Tuesday, U.S. forces carried out a strike on four Houthi anti-ship ballistic missiles in Yemen, destroying them before they could be launched.
The strike was a clear message to the Houthis that their attacks would not be tolerated. However, concerns remain about the possibility of escalation, with the Biden administration recognizing the potential for a regional conflict to erupt. White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan stated that the administration is closely monitoring the situation and is committed to managing it effectively.
The Houthis are not the only group linked to Iran that has been carrying out attacks in the region. Recent attacks have also been reported in Lebanon, Syria, and Iraq. The Biden administration has been vocal about its concerns over these actions, with President Biden himself calling on Iran to “de-escalate” and end its support for militant groups in the region. The current situation in the Middle East is volatile, and any further escalations could have severe consequences.
As the Biden administration prepares to make its decision on the designation of the Houthis, the international community is closely watching. The designation will have significant implications for the Houthis and their ability to receive support and funding.
The U.S. government has consistently stated its commitment to addressing the humanitarian crisis in Yemen, and the decision to redesignate the Houthis as a terrorist group is expected to further this effort. However, concerns about potential escalation and the possibility of a larger conflict loom over the decision, making it a crucial and challenging one for the Biden administration.