The United States has initiated a process to potentially designate Ansar Allah, also known as the Houthis, as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. This move aligns with section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). The Houthis, supported by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Quds Force (IRGC-QF), have been accused of numerous hostile actions since 2023. These include attacks on U.S. Navy warships, civilian infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, and commercial vessels transiting Bab al-Mandeb.
"The Houthis' activities threaten the security of American civilians and personnel in the Middle East," stated the order. It emphasized the need for cooperation with regional partners to dismantle Ansar Allah's operations and resources.
The Secretary of State is tasked with consulting various national security entities to submit a report regarding this designation within 30 days. Following this, appropriate actions will be taken based on 8 U.S.C. 1189.
In case of designation, USAID will review its partnerships in Yemen to identify any affiliations with Ansar Allah or criticism of international counter-efforts against them without documenting abuses adequately. USAID is directed to terminate projects linked to such entities if necessary.
This order is intended to be implemented according to applicable laws and does not create enforceable rights against the U.S. government.
"Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect...the authority granted by law to an executive department," it concludes.
Donald J. Trump issued this directive from the White House on January 22, 2025.
