BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - WITH the United States and English warships continuing to fight in defence of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden against the Houthis, who have been creating havoc by attacking commercial vessels, they have now designated the group as “Global Terrorist”.
In recent weeks, pirates have been relentlessly trying to take control of commercial vessels while the designated “Terrorist Group” has been firing on the vessels that transport food supplies from the East to the West.
Those attacks have the potential to drive up food prices globally. With that in mind, the warships have been seeking to defend the location from the group with a number of attacks.
Antony Blinken, Secretary of State, confirmed the designation late yesterday afternoon (Jan. 17), explaining in a media statement that “the Department of State today is announcing the designation of Ansarallah, commonly referred to as the Houthis, as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist Group, effective 30 days from today”.
“Since November, the Houthis have launched unprecedented attacks against international maritime vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, as well as military forces positioned in the area to defend the safety and security of commercial shipping. These attacks against international shipping have endangered mariners, disrupted the free flow of commerce, and interfered with navigational rights and freedoms. This designation seeks to promote accountability for the group’s terrorist activities. If the Houthis cease their attacks in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, the United States will reevaluate this designation,” the statement read.
Blinken noted that the Houthis “must be held accountable for their actions”, but urged that it should not be at the expense of Yemeni civilians.
“As the Department of State moves forward with this designation, we are taking significant steps to mitigate any adverse impacts this designation may have on the people of Yemen. During the 30-day implementation delay, the U.S. government will conduct robust outreach to stakeholders, aid providers, and partners who are crucial to facilitating humanitarian assistance and the commercial import of critical commodities in Yemen,” the statement read.
“Because it is an international sanction, the Department of Treasury will now be forced to publish licences authorizing certain transactions related to the provision of food, medicine, and fuel, as well as personal remittances, telecommunications and mail, and port and airport operations on which the Yemeni people rely”, Blinken said in the statement.
Note: Today’s [yesterday’s] announced action is being taken pursuant to Executive Order 13224, as amended, which targets terrorists, terrorist organizations, leaders of terrorist groups, and those providing support to terrorists or acts of terrorism. Ansarallah is being designated for having committed or attempted to commit, posing a significant risk of committing, or having participated in training to commit acts of terrorism that threaten the security of United States nationals or the national security, foreign policy, or economy of the United States. This designation and the associated general licenses will be effective on February 16, 2024.
