US designates Houthis as terrorist group

The United States Department of State declared on Wednesday that it is designating the Houthis as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist group, effective in 30 days. The US argued that the Houthis launched “unprecedented attacks” on international vessels and military forces in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. “These attacks against international shipping have endangered mariners, disrupted the free flow of commerce, and interfered with navigational rights and freedoms. This designation seeks to promote accountability for the group’s terrorist activities,” the State Department said.

The US said it will use the 30-day delay until the official designation to reach out to “stakeholders, aid providers, and partners who are crucial to facilitating humanitarian assistance and the commercial import of critical commodities in Yemen.”