To stop its Terrorism… EU adds Houthi Militia to black list

The European Union has blacklisted the pro-Iranian Houthi militia against the backdrop of recent Houthi attacks, targeting of civilians and civilian infrastructure in Yemen, obstructing the delivery of humanitarian aid, being involved in a policy of sexual violence and oppression of women, recruitment of children and indiscriminate use of landmines, and targeting commercial vessels in the Red Sea with improvised explosive devices and underwater mines.

European sanctions

The Federation also decided to freeze the militia’s assets and prohibit its funding, in accordance with the UN Security Council resolution of February 28th, the Saudi Press Agency reported Tuesday.

The EU blacklist was created in 2014, with sanctions targeting the war in Yemen.

As part of international efforts to counter the terrorism of Houthi militias, which are fueling the war in Yemen and sparking terrorism in neighboring Gulf countries, the US Treasury Department announced, Wednesday, the imposition of sanctions on members of an international network run by the Quds Force of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard to finance Houthis to launch attacks against the Yemeni government and neighboring countries that threaten civilians and infrastructure.

A rejection of Houthi terrorism

The EU decision comes in response to Houthi terrorism, especially after their devastating campaign inside Yemen, where they have repeatedly fired ballistic missiles and drones that have hit civilian infrastructure in neighboring countries, causing civilian casualties.

This decision comes a few weeks after a similar decision was imposed by the US Treasury on networks financing Houthi militia. The US Treasury said at the time that Houthi leaders must stop their violent campaign and negotiate in good faith to end the conflict.

It added: The Houthi militias are continuing their destructive campaign against Yemen despite the calls for peace from the international community, stressing the need to continue to act firmly against anyone who tries to prolong the conflict in Yemen for his own ends.

Response to Arab calls

Observers confirm that the decision was a response to calls from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and the legitimate government in Yemen to punish the militias by classifying them as terrorists. The Treasury confirmed that the measures taken today were in close coordination and cooperation with regional Gulf partners.

The Black list story

On January 19, US President Joe Biden announced that the United States is considering reclassifying the Houthis as a terrorist group after a Houthi attack on Abu Dhabi Airport.

The administration of former Republican President Donald Trump blacklisted the Houthis 10 days before he left office; this led to financial sanctions, but Democratic President Joe Biden, citing aid groups and commercial importers, prevented them from bringing goods like food and fuel to Yemen, which relies on imports for 90 percent of its food, fuel, and medicine needs.