The US is preparing to classify Iran-backed and Yemen-based Houthis as a specifically designated terrorist group, numerous Western media outlets reported late Tuesday (Jan 16), citing persons familiar with the situation. This follows the group’s ongoing attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea, which have increased shipping prices between Europe and Asia by up to thrice.
The Trump administration branded the Houthis as a ‘foreign terrorist group’ during the Yemeni rebels’ years-long civil conflict with the internationally recognized Saudi-backed Yemeni government.
The Biden administration withdrew the Houthis’ foreign terrorist classification in February 2021, citing concerns that it would make it impossible for much-needed humanitarian help to reach civilians living in Houthi-controlled Yemeni territory.
Since April 2022, all of Yemen’s warring factions have maintained a tenuous peace.
What does this mean?
It should be emphasized that the global terrorization classification differs from foreign terrorist identification.
The specifically designated global terrorist group name will enable Washington to freeze the assets of persons and corporations that provide support or assistance to the group, as well as connected subsidiaries, front organizations, or allies.
Unlike the specially designated global terrorist classification, providing material assistance or resources to a foreign terrorist organization is a criminal offense.
When asked if he was willing to name the Houthis a terrorist group on January 12, US President Joe Biden said, “I think they are.”
Tensions between the US, its allies, and the Houthis have risen in recent days as Washington claims it does not want to go to war with the Iran-backed rebels.
The US Central Command stated on Tuesday (Jan 16) that its troops hit and destroyed four anti-ship ballistic missiles that the Houthis had planned to launch earlier in the day. The US has now targeted the Houthis three times in less than a week.
The attacks on Red Sea vessels and those in the Gulf of Aden have prompted ships to avoid the important shipping route, opting for a longer and more expensive journey between Asia and Europe via the Cape of Good Hope.
According to accounts, the attacks by the Houthis have increased transportation costs by up to 60%. Shipping a 20-foot container to Europe and the United States costs $2000 presently, up from $500 on average before the crisis, according to the Times of India.