White House Consider Redesignating Houthis as Terror Group

The White House announced on Tuesday that President Biden is currently reviewing the possibility of redesignating Yemen's Houthi organization as a foreign terrorist group.

This consideration comes over two years after Biden formally removed the Houthi designation in February 2021, reversing the decision made by former President Donald Trump.

The Biden administration may designate the #Iran-backed #Houthis as a terrorist organization following the rebel group’s seizure of a cargo vessel in the Red Sea. https://t.co/U92iwV3Pio

— NTD News (@NTDNews) November 23, 2023

The move was part of Biden's broader effort to shift the U.S. approach to the civil war in Yemen. No decision has been made at this point, and White House National Security spokesperson John Kirby confirmed an ongoing review.

If the Houthi group were to be redesignated as a foreign terrorist organization, it would involve freezing their U.S. assets, prohibiting business transactions with American companies, and making it illegal for U.S. citizens to support or provide resources to the organization.

The Houthis, backed by Iran, have recently declared their intention to continue attacking ships in the Red Sea in protest over the Israel-Hamas conflict. This announcement has raised concerns about the safety of one of the world's busiest shipping routes.

In response to the Houthi attacks, the U.S. announced the formation of a multinational naval coalition aimed at protecting shipping in the region. Companies, including BP, have decided to pause shipments through the Red Sea as long as the Houthi threat persists.

The attacks began in October, prompting calls from Republicans for Biden to reconsider the terrorist designation of the Houthis. Republican Senator Thom Tillis emphasized that re-designating the group would send a strong message about the perceived threat they pose to U.S. allies, partners, and regional stability in the Middle East.

The potential redesignation of the Houthi organization as a foreign terrorist group comes amid escalating tensions in the Red Sea, where Houthi militants have been targeting ships. The group has specifically stated its intent to attack any ship traveling to Israel but not stopping at Gaza to deliver humanitarian aid.

Ships with no ties to Israel or those not traveling there will be allowed to pass, according to the Houthi movement. In November, the Houthis hijacked a commercial vessel in the Red Sea, taking 25 crew members hostage.

The outcome of this review will likely have broader implications for U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East and its approach to addressing conflicts in the region.

As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the administration will balance diplomatic efforts, regional stability, and the protection of global shipping routes in its response to the Houthi threat.