Washington, March 5, 2025 – The United States has officially designated the Ansarallah movement, widely known as the Houthis, as a foreign terrorist organization. This decision, announced by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, marks a significant step in the U.S. government’s ongoing efforts to address the ongoing conflict in Yemen and the broader regional security challenges. The designation follows a directive earlier this year from U.S. President Donald Trump, who had called for the inclusion of the group on the list of Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs).
In his statement, Secretary of State Rubio emphasized the U.S. government’s commitment to holding the Houthis accountable for their violent actions and destabilizing activities in the region. The designation will have several consequences, including the imposition of strict sanctions on individuals and entities associated with the Houthis, as well as restrictions on U.S. persons or organizations doing business with them. By labeling the group as a terrorist organization, the U.S. aims to increase pressure on the Houthis and curb their ability to carry out violent attacks, particularly within Yemen, which has been embroiled in a devastating civil war since 2014.
The Houthis, an Iranian-backed militant group, have been involved in a protracted conflict with the internationally recognized Yemeni government, supported by a Saudi-led coalition. The group's actions, including the targeting of civilians, infrastructure, and foreign interests, have contributed to one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world. The U.S. move to designate Ansarallah as a terrorist organization is seen as part of a broader strategy to apply diplomatic and economic pressure on the group to end the conflict and encourage a political resolution to the war.
The decision has garnered significant international attention, with implications not only for Yemen but for the broader Middle East, where the Houthis have been a central player in the regional power struggle between Saudi Arabia and Iran. The U.S. government's action is expected to further complicate peace negotiations, as the Houthis may view this designation as an obstacle to talks with the international community.
While the designation is a clear signal of U.S. disapproval of the Houthis' actions, it also raises questions about the humanitarian impact on Yemen’s already struggling population. Critics of the move have expressed concerns that it could exacerbate the suffering of ordinary Yemenis, who are caught in the crossfire of the civil war.
This designation is the latest in a series of U.S. measures aimed at countering extremist groups and state actors deemed to pose a threat to international stability. By officially recognizing Ansarallah as a foreign terrorist organization, the U.S. seeks to disrupt the group’s financing and operational capabilities, while signaling its continued commitment to countering Iranian influence in the region.