The U.S. government has announced sanctions against individuals and organizations involved in a global illicit finance network supporting the Houthi group. This action targets financial facilitators and procurement operatives associated with Iran-backed Houthi financier Sa’id al-Jamal. The network has been accused of procuring large quantities of commodities, including weapons and dual-use materials, from Russia, as well as stolen Ukrainian grain intended for Houthi-controlled regions in Yemen.
Among those designated in the sanctions are two Afghan brothers based in Russia who reportedly aided Sa’id al-Jamal in coordinating the transportation of stolen Ukrainian grain from Crimea to Yemen. In an effort to further curtail illicit activities, the U.S. also identified eight digital asset wallets used by the Houthis for fund transfers linked to their operations.
A statement from Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce asserted, "The United States is committed to eliminating the Iran-backed Houthis’ capabilities and resources to conduct attacks on our servicemembers and naval assets, while ending their ability to threaten the security of the United States and our partners."
These sanctions fall under Executive Order 13224, a counterterrorism measure, and extend previous efforts aimed at disrupting Houthi weapons procurement channels and suppliers. More detailed information on these designations is available through the Office of Foreign Assets Control's Recent Actions webpage.