By the authority vested in him as President, Donald J. Trump has issued an executive order initiating the process to designate Ansar Allah, also known as the Houthis, as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. This move aligns with section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
The Houthis have reportedly engaged in multiple aggressive actions since 2014-2015. Supported by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Quds Force (IRGC-QF), they have attacked U.S. Navy warships numerous times since 2023, posing risks to American military personnel. The group is accused of launching attacks on civilian infrastructure, including airports in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, and firing over 300 projectiles at Israel since October 2023. They have also been implicated in more than 100 attacks on commercial vessels passing through Bab al-Mandeb.
The executive order highlights that these activities threaten American civilians and personnel in the Middle East and destabilize global maritime trade. The policy of the United States is to work with regional partners to dismantle Ansar Allah's capabilities.
Within 30 days from the date of this order, the Secretary of State must report to President Trump on designating Ansar Allah as a terrorist organization after consulting with relevant intelligence and financial authorities. Following this report, further actions consistent with U.S.C. 1189 will be undertaken.
Additionally, should Ansar Allah be designated as a foreign terrorist organization, a review will be conducted by the Secretary of State and USAID Administrator to assess relationships between USAID partners working in Yemen and any entities linked to Ansar Allah.
This order aims to ensure cooperation among U.S departments without affecting existing legal authorities or budgetary functions.