In an official directive, the President of the United States has invoked his authority under the Constitution and the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) to initiate a formal process for the designation of Ansar Allah, commonly known as the Houthis, as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO). This move underscores the administration’s commitment to countering terrorist threats and ensuring regional stability.
Purpose of the Order

The order establishes a pathway for Ansar Allah to be considered for FTO designation under Section 219 of the INA (8 U.S.C. 1189). The group’s ties to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Quds Force (IRGC-QF), which arms and trains terrorist organizations globally, were highlighted as a key concern. Since 2023, the Houthis have launched numerous attacks on U.S. Navy warships, endangering American personnel and assets. Additionally, the group’s aggressive actions include the seizure of Yemeni territories from its legitimate government, attacks on civilian infrastructure, and maritime threats.

Notable incidents attributed to the Houthis include:

Strikes on civilian airports in Saudi Arabia.

The deadly January 2022 attacks on the United Arab Emirates.

Over 300 projectiles fired at Israel since October 2023.

Over 100 attacks on commercial vessels in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, resulting in civilian casualties and disruptions to global maritime trade.

Policy Objectives

The policy outlined in the order emphasizes the United States’ commitment to:

Collaborating with regional allies to dismantle the capabilities of Ansar Allah.

Denying the group access to resources and operational capacity.

Protecting U.S. personnel, civilians, and maritime trade routes from Houthi aggression.

Implementation Measures

The order directs the following actions:

Report Submission: Within 30 days, the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Director of National Intelligence and the Secretary of the Treasury, must submit a report on the potential designation of Ansar Allah as an FTO.

Designation Action: Within 15 days of the report’s submission, the Secretary of State will take appropriate actions under 8 U.S.C. 1189 to advance the designation process.

USAID Review: Following the designation, the Secretary of State and USAID Administrator will review entities working with USAID in Yemen. The review will identify:

Entities making payments to Ansar Allah or its affiliates.

Organizations that have criticized counter-Houthi efforts without sufficiently documenting the group’s abuses.

Contract Terminations: USAID will terminate projects, grants, or contracts involving entities identified in the review.

Legal and Administrative Provisions

The order specifies that its implementation will adhere to applicable laws and budgetary constraints. It explicitly states that the order does not create enforceable rights or benefits for any individual or entity against the United States.

This decisive action reaffirms the administration’s dedication to combating terrorism, safeguarding American interests, and supporting regional partners in the Middle East.