US Designates Houthis as a Foreign Terrorist Organization

The US Department of State has officially designated the Houthi group as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO), fulfilling one of President Donald Trump’s key promises, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on Tuesday.

Rubio emphasized that, as outlined in Executive Order 14175, Houthi activities endanger civilians, US personnel in the Middle East, regional allies, and the stability of global maritime trade.

Since 2023, the Houthis have launched hundreds of attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, as well as US military personnel defending international waters and regional partners.

Rubio warned that Washington will not tolerate any country engaging in business with terrorist organizations like the Houthis under the guise of legitimate international trade.

The terror designation serves as a critical tool in curbing financial and logistical support for terrorist groups, reinforcing America’s commitment to national security.

President Donald Trump officially signed an executive order reinstating the Houthis’ FTO designation, initially introduced in January 2021.