4 Days Until the Houthis Are Designated as a Terrorist Organization… What Is the Militia’s Future?

18th February 2025

1 minute read

4 Days Until the Houthis Are Designated as a Terrorist Organization… What Is the Militia’s Future?

The decision by U.S. President Donald Trump to designate the Houthis as a terrorist organization will take effect in four days, leading to significant isolation for the militia, with repercussions in political, economic, and military spheres.

According to the local website Al-Muntaṣaf, classifying the Houthis as a Foreign Terrorist Organization will impose stricter economic sanctions than those imposed by the Biden administration in response to the Iran-backed group’s attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea and U.S. warships.

On this issue, supporters of the move argue, according to Al-Muntaṣaf, that it is long overdue. However, some experts warn that it could have consequences for anyone perceived as assisting the Houthis, including certain humanitarian organizations.

Decisive American measures are expected to target Houthi leaders in Sana’a and countries that maintain cooperative relations with the militia.

The Trump administration stated that the United States would work with regional partners to eliminate the Houthis‘ capabilities and deprive them of resources, “thereby ending their attacks on U.S. personnel and civilians, American allies, and maritime shipping in the Red Sea.”

The White House said that this designation would also trigger a broad review of UN partners, non-governmental organizations, and contractors operating in Yemen.

It added that “President Trump has directed the U.S. Agency for International Development to terminate its relationship with entities that have provided funds to the Houthis or have opposed international efforts to counter them while turning a blind eye to their terrorism and violations.”