By Rashed Hasan AlHosani*
In light of the growing threats posed by the Houthi group to the Middle East and the world in recent years, as well as regional calls to designate the militia as a terrorist organisation instead of engaging with it politically, US President Donald Trump has redesignated the Houthis as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation immediately after assuming office.
This decision makes it possible to impose stricter restrictions on the group, which has threatened maritime navigation in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden and disrupted international transportation. The move aims to increase pressure on the Houthis to stop their actions that threaten stability.
Under this decision, the US Agency for International Development can sever ties with entities supporting the Houthis. The move also expands sanctions against individuals and organisations linked to the militia, criminalising all forms of financial or personal dealings, technical expertise, training, or assistance provided to them.
The first Trump administration labelled Houthis as a terror organisation on taking over in January 2021. The subsequent Biden administration revoked this designation, citing the need to facilitate humanitarian aid in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen. The group exploited this leniency, escalating attacks on international commercial vessels, civilian infrastructure, and US regional allies.
The Biden administration, in 2024, then identified it as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist group. This meant the group remains a terror outfit without affecting the continuation of aid to Houthi-controlled areas; Washington imposed less stringent restrictions compared to the more robust measures implemented by the current US administration.
However, the Houthis continued to sow chaos in Yemen, the region, and beyond. Since November 2023, they have carried out over 100 attacks on ships in the Red Sea. Therefore, Trump's more decisive approach was a response to the militia's escalating threats against American interests in the region's maritime trade.
The US administration's policy shift underscores the mistake of removing the Houthis from the terrorism list. The group used its unrestricted status to carry out missile and drone strikes, serving the agendas of its financiers without regard for the devastating consequences on civilian infrastructure and regional security. Additionally, the Houthis have also consistently rejected peace initiatives, evading genuine commitments to resolving the Yemen crisis.
Allowing the Houthis to act without consequence has prolonged Yemen's crisis and emboldened the group's attacks on regional states and maritime routes in the Red Sea. Since 2015, the militia has relentlessly undermined Yemen's stability, following its coup against the legitimate government. It has also targeted neighbouring countries, as exemplified by the attack on Abu Dhabi on January 17, 2022.
The UAE has consistently called for recognising the Houthis as a terrorist organisation, urging the international community to adopt the same stance.
The US designation places the Houthis in a politically precarious position. The decision disrupts the militia's external dealings and increases its international isolation. Should the Houthis persist in threatening international navigation and global security, the group may face additional international pressure and sanctions. Furthermore, the designation puts a strain on the group's regional backers, many of whom are already grappling with economic challenges and political setbacks.
At the same time, the designation could escalate tensions within Yemen and the broader region. The Trump administration probably foresaw these consequences and will work with regional partners to dismantle the Houthis' operational capabilities, deprive them of resources supporting their terrorist activities, and address the humanitarian crisis in ways that bypass militia control.
These efforts will be part of a regional security strategy that criminalises Houthi terrorism and strengthens US-regional cooperation to counter the group's threats, monitor arms movements, and foster stability. On the other hand, turning a blind eye to the group will only escalate its destabilising actions in the region, disregarding the security and prosperity of the region.
The US move serves as a call for the international community, particularly UN institutions, to adopt similar measures. Such efforts would reinforce global counter-terrorism initiatives, highlight the Houthis' threat to regional and global security and deter the terrorist group. Intensified international collaboration is essential to promote peace, restore stability, and alleviate Yemen's humanitarian crisis.
*The writer is a researcher at TRENDS Research & Advisory