The United States announced sanctions against the International Bank of Yemen (IBY) due to its financial ties with the Houthis. This measure, targeting key IBY leaders Kamal Hussain Al Jebry, Ahmed Thabit Noman Al-Absi, and Abdulkader Ali Bazara, is part of the U.S. government's ongoing efforts to deter Iran-supported Houthi attacks on Red Sea commercial shipping pathways, crucial for global commerce.
The U.S. emphasizes disrupting the Houthis' financial networks and limiting their banking access, aligning with a comprehensive strategy to mitigate Iran's influence network. The United States also supports the Yemeni government's initiatives to shield its banking sector from Houthi control.
This sanction action falls under the counterterrorism authority of Executive Order 13224, as amended. Previously, the U.S. Department of State designated Ansarallah as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) under E.O. 13224, effective February 16, 2024. Furthermore, Ansarallah was re-designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization on March 4, 2025, according to section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended. For further details, refer to the Treasury Department's Press Release.
