The U.S. State Department has officially reinstated the designation of Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi movement as a "Foreign Terrorist Organization" (FTO), following a directive initiated by former President Donald Trump. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced this significant shift, detailing that the designation entails sanctions and repercussions for anyone providing "material support" to the group. This decision reflects ongoing concerns regarding threats posed by the Houthis in the Middle East and their recent hostile activities against commercial vessels in the Red Sea, as well as U.S. military personnel.

"Since 2023, the Houthis have launched hundreds of attacks involving missiles and drones against merchant vessels and allied forces in key trade corridors," Rubio asserted. Notably, these actions have included targeting over 100 vessels amidst rising tensions following the Israel-Hamas conflict, which escalated in October 2023. Although the Houthis indicated in January they would limit their attacks to Israeli-affiliated ships, they maintained the option to broaden their strikes if deemed necessary.

This renewed terrorist designation echoes Trump's earlier classification before it was retracted by President Joe Biden, who raised concerns about the humanitarian implications in a country grappling with a dire crisis. Recent statements suggest the Biden administration's leniency may no longer be applicable, as the U.S. now seeks to undermine the Houthi’s operational capabilities while collaborating with regional partners.

A significant uptick in violence has led to serious humanitarian implications as well. The United Nations suspended its humanitarian operations in Houthi-controlled regions after several of its personnel were detained. Reports indicate that dozens of U.N. workers remain imprisoned, compounding an already critical humanitarian situation in Yemen, where more than 19 million people require assistance due to widespread malnutrition, cholera outbreaks, and the economic devastation caused by the ongoing conflict.

Moreover, the U.S. State Department announced new measures to disrupt Houthi financing as part of its broader strategy, aiming to reinforce the stability of international maritime trade and safeguard American interests in the region. The conflict has had a staggering toll, claiming over 150,000 lives, and has resulted in severe human rights abuses, with the Houthis reportedly escalating their crackdowns on dissent in recent months.

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