The U.S. State Department said it was implementing the designation of Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement as a “foreign terrorist organization” after President Donald Trump’s call for the move earlier this year.
“The Houthis’ activities threaten the security of American civilians and personnel in the Middle East, the safety of our closest regional partners, and the stability of global maritime trade,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement.
“The United States will not tolerate any country engaging with terrorist organizations like the Houthis in the name of practicing legitimate international business,” he added.
The move, however, triggered concerns it could impact regional security and worsen Yemen’s humanitarian crisis because importers fear being hit with U.S. sanctions if supplies fall into Houthi hands.
“A designation like this must be coupled with appropriate safeguards and reassurances, both humanitarian assistance and the ability of civilians to commercially access central goods and services,” said U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric.
“For humanitarian goods a lot of it comes in through the private sector. If this is not possible, it will have a devastating humanitarian impact,” added Dujarric, pointing out that some 19 million Yemenis require life-saving assistance.
Jakob Larsen, chief safety and security officer with the BIMCO shipping association, warned that the designation “has the potential to deteriorate the security situation.”
