Houthis Designated as Foreign Terrorist Organization, Rubio Says
Sarah Johnson
March 4, 2025
Brief
The U.S. officially designates Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis as a foreign terrorist organization, intensifying counterterrorism efforts amid Red Sea attacks and ongoing Middle East instability.
The U.S. government has officially designated the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen as a foreign terrorist organization, fulfilling a key promise of former President Donald Trump’s administration. The announcement, made Tuesday by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, underscores a renewed focus on counterterrorism efforts.
Rubio minced no words, declaring that the U.S. "will not tolerate" any nation doing business with "terrorist organizations like the Houthis." He emphasized that the designation demonstrates the administration’s commitment to safeguarding national security, American lives, and the stability of global maritime trade. "Terrorist designations play a critical role in our fight against terrorism and are an effective way to curtail support for terrorist activities," Rubio stated.
The Houthis have been implicated in over 100 attacks on vessels in the Red Sea following the Hamas-led October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel and the subsequent Gaza conflict. The U.S. military has been actively defending its warships in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab Strait, escorting commercial vessels and preventing Houthi attacks.
Earlier in January, Trump re-designated the Houthis as a terrorist group, citing their threats to American civilians, allies in the Middle East, and global maritime trade. He issued an executive order stating that their actions jeopardize regional stability and the safety of U.S. personnel.
Amid escalating tensions, Houthi leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi recently vowed military action against the U.S. and Israel during a televised speech, particularly after Trump proposed removing Palestinians from Gaza.
Within the U.S. military, debates are ongoing about the best strategy to counter the Houthis. Some advocate for persistent strikes targeting Houthi operatives, while others favor a more infrastructure-focused approach, targeting weapons storage and logistical networks. Either way, the situation demands decisive action to neutralize the ongoing threat.
This designation adds another layer of complexity to an already volatile region, and it’s clear that both the U.S. and its allies will need to stay vigilant.
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Editor's Comments
It’s almost like every time you think the Middle East can’t get more fraught, someone says, 'Hold my coffee.' The designation of the Houthis as terrorists is a significant move, but the real challenge lies in what comes next—whether the U.S. leans toward strikes or infrastructure targeting, the risks and ripple effects will be monumental. Let’s hope cooler heads prevail in navigating this powder keg of a situation.
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