By the authority vested in him as President by the Constitution and U.S. laws, including the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), an executive order was issued on January 22, 2025. This order initiates a process to consider Ansar Allah, also known as the Houthis, for designation as a Foreign Terrorist Organization under section 219 of the INA.
The Houthis, supported by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Quds Force (IRGC-QF), have been accused of firing at U.S. Navy warships numerous times since 2023, posing risks to American military personnel. Since taking control of most Yemeni population centers from the legitimate Yemeni government in 2014-2015, they have reportedly launched multiple attacks on civilian infrastructure. These include attacks on airports in Saudi Arabia, deadly assaults on the United Arab Emirates in January 2022, and over 300 projectiles fired at Israel since October 2023. Additionally, there have been more than 100 attacks on commercial vessels transiting Bab al-Mandeb, resulting in civilian casualties and disruptions to Red Sea maritime trade routes.
"The Houthis’ activities threaten the security of American civilians and personnel in the Middle East," states the executive order. It also emphasizes their impact on "the safety of our closest regional partners" and "the stability of global maritime trade."
The policy outlined is for the United States to work with regional partners to eliminate Ansar Allah’s capabilities and resources to cease its operations against U.S. personnel and allies.
Implementation steps are detailed within the order. The Secretary of State is tasked with submitting a report regarding Ansar Allah's designation as a foreign terrorist organization within 30 days after consulting with relevant officials. Following this report submission, appropriate actions should be taken concerning Ansar Allah's designation.
Upon any official designation under U.S.C. 1189, a review will be conducted by both the Secretary of State and USAID Administrator concerning entities associated with USAID that might have financial or supportive ties with Ansar Allah.
The order clarifies that it does not affect existing legal authorities or create enforceable rights against any part of the U.S. government.
Signed by Donald J. Trump at The White House on January 22, 2025.