The U.S. State Department has designated Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis as a foreign terrorist organization, reinforcing President Trump’s previous executive order. Secretary Marco Rubio affirmed the importance of such designations in combating terrorism. This measure comes after the Houthis have attacked commercial vessels in regional waters. The Biden Administration previously reversed the FTO status assigned by Trump, which sparked criticism from the former administration.
On Tuesday, the United States State Department officially classified Yemen’s Iran-supported Houthis as a foreign terrorist organization (FTO), reaffirming an executive order issued by President Donald Trump earlier this year. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the significance of such terrorist designations in the fight against terrorism, declaring that the U.S. would not accept partnerships with nations engaging with terrorist groups, including the Houthis.
This new designation follows a series of hostile actions by the Houthis, who have launched numerous attacks on American and Israeli vessels in the Red Sea amidst ongoing conflict in the region. The executive order highlights that the activities of the Houthis pose a danger not only to American citizens and military personnel but also threaten the security of key allies and global maritime commerce.
Despite the Houthis being initially placed on the FTO list by President Trump during his first term, the designation was reversed shortly after President Joe Biden took office in early 2021, with a less severe classification applied instead. The Trump administration criticized this action, arguing that it represented a deficient approach to countering Houthi capabilities.
In conclusion, the designation of the Houthis as a foreign terrorist organization by the Biden Administration underscores the increased focus on combatting terrorism and protecting U.S. interests abroad. This move is intended to limit support for terrorist activities that jeopardize regional stability and maritime security. As tensions continue to rise in the Middle East, the U.S. aims to take a firmer stand against threats posed by such extremist groups.
Original Source: freebeacon.com
