The Biden administration has taken a significant step in its approach to the ongoing conflict in Yemen by redesignating the Houthi rebels as a global terrorist entity. This move is aimed at deterring the Iranian-backed rebels from launching further attacks in the Red Sea. The decision comes after the United States, along with several other nations, conducted strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen.
The designation of the Houthis as a global terrorist entity has various implications. Primarily, it triggers new economic sanctions and asset freezes. U.S. Secretary of State remarked that this designation seeks to hold the group accountable for its terroristic activities. However, the United States has made it clear that the designation is conditional. If the Houthis cease their attacks in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, the U.S. would reconsider its position.
It is essential to note that this specific designation falls short of classifying the Houthis as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO). The administration refrained from imposing the FTO designation as it would also penalize anyone providing material support to the Houthis. Such a designation could have potentially hampered humanitarian aid flowing into parts of Yemen, particularly as the Houthis control significant territory in northern Yemen.
The effects of the global terrorist designation will be realized within the next 30 days. In the meantime, the U.S. administration plans to engage with various stakeholders and international companies to ensure their understanding of the limitations on providing support to the designated entity.
However, despite these measures, the Houthis have continued their attacks in the Red Sea. They recently targeted vessels, including one as recent as today. The U.S. military has responded by conducting strikes on Houthi weaponry involved in these attacks. The aim of this action is to apply pressure on the Houthis and compel them to cease their aggressive behavior. Nevertheless, the rebel group has demonstrated no signs of relenting thus far.
The Biden administration's decision to redesignate the Houthis as a global terrorist entity represents a renewed effort to address the ongoing conflict in Yemen. By imposing economic sanctions and asset freezes, the United States intends to promote accountability among the Houthi rebels for their actions. While this falls short of the more severe FTO designation, the administration is mindful of the potential repercussions on humanitarian aid efforts. The next 30 days will reveal the full impact of this move, as the U.S. engages with stakeholders to ensure compliance. In the meantime, the Houthis' continued attacks in the Red Sea demonstrate the challenging nature of the conflict and the need for further actions to achieve lasting peace in Yemen.
