CANCELLATION OF THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION’S REMOVAL OF THE HOUTHI FROM THE LIST OF FOREIGN TERRORIST ORGANIZATIONS: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order designating Ansar Allah (also known as the Houthis) as a foreign terrorist organization.
- The decree begins a process by which Ansar Allah, also known as the Houthis, will be designated as a foreign terrorist organization.
- President Trump designated the Iran-backed Houthis a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) in January 2021.
- Less than a month after taking office, the Biden administration rescinded the designation of the Houthis.
- Due to the Biden administration’s weak policies, the Houthis have fired on US Navy warships dozens of times, launched numerous attacks on civilian infrastructure in partner countries, and attacked commercial ships transiting through Bab al-Mandeb more than 100 times.
- The executive order directs the Secretary of State, in consultation with others, to recommend re-designation of the Houthis within 30 days.
- Under President Trump, it is now U.S. policy to cooperate with regional partners to eliminate Houthi capabilities and operations, deprive them of resources, and thereby end their attacks on U.S. personnel and civilians, partners Americans and maritime transport. in the Red Sea.
- Following the re-designation of the Houthis as FTO, the executive order also directs the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Secretary of State to jointly review United Nations partners , non-governmental organizations and contractors operating in Yemen.
- Following this review, the President will direct USAID to terminate its relationships with entities that have made payments to the Houthis or opposed international efforts to counter the Houthis while turning a blind eye to terrorism and Houthi abuses.