US Imposes New Sanctions on Yemen’s Houthis

The United States on Thursday announced a sweeping new round of sanctions targeting the Houthis in Yemen, marking what the Trump administration called the largest action of its kind against the Iran-aligned group.

The US Treasury Department said the sanctions target 32 individuals and entities, as well as four vessels, in an effort to disrupt the Houthis’ funding, smuggling operations, and attacks.

Among the targets are several Chinese companies accused of transporting military components and arranging shipments of dual-use goods to the Houthis. The sanctions also focus on oil smugglers and shipping companies linked to the group.

China’s Foreign Ministry responded on Friday, condemning what it called the “abuse of unilateral sanctions” and the expansion of US jurisdiction, arguing that such measures violate international law and core norms governing global relations.

The Houthis have disrupted global trade since late 2023, carrying out hundreds of drone and missile attacks on vessels in the Red Sea, claiming they are targeting ships connected to Israel.

Earlier in May, President Trump announced an unexpected ceasefire agreement between the United States and the Houthis, though tensions and confrontations have persisted.