What Does the Designation of Houthis as 'Foreign Terrorist Organizations' by the U.S. Mean?

The new U.S. president began his actions in the Middle East by signing an order to place the Houthi militants of Yemen on the 'Foreign Terrorist Organizations' list; a classification that had been revoked during Joe Biden's presidency. Mike Pompeo, the Secretary of State in Trump's first term, had designated the Houthis as a 'foreign terrorist organization' in January 2021. However, Antony Blinken, Secretary of State under Biden, removed the Houthis from the 'International Terrorist Organizations' and 'Foreign Terrorist Organizations' lists about a month after taking office, citing the need to 'facilitate humanitarian aid to Yemen.' This move was partially reversed years later, reinstating the group on the 'International Terrorist Organizations' list. The Houthis are a rebel group supported by the Islamic Republic of Iran. In 2014, they seized large areas of Yemen, including the capital, Sana'a, leading to a bloody war. Saudi Arabia led a regional coalition in support of the UN-recognized government in Yemen, fighting against the Houthis for several years. The intensity of this conflict has diminished for over two years, and a form of ceasefire has been established in Yemen, although the country remains fragmented. In a statement released by the White House on January 23, it was noted that 'the actions of the Houthis threaten the security of American personnel and civilians in the Middle East, jeopardize the safety of America's closest partners in the region, and challenge the stability of international maritime trade.' Shortly after the outbreak of the war between Israel and the extremist group Hamas in Gaza on October 7 last year, the Houthis began targeting ships they claimed were linked to Israel in the Red Sea. They also occasionally launched missiles and drones towards Israel, claiming these actions were intended to support the Palestinians. The U.S. under Biden led a maritime coalition aimed at countering the threats posed by the Houthis. The U.S. military has also periodically bombed Houthi military infrastructure in Yemen. The White House statement following Trump's executive order stated: 'The United States will act to eliminate the capabilities of the Houthi group and deprive it of resources, thereby stopping its attacks against Americans and maritime transport in the Red Sea.' The White House added that this classification would lead to a comprehensive review of UN partners and contractual NGOs operating in Yemen. The White House statement indicated: 'As a result of the Biden administration's weak policy, the Houthis have fired upon U.S. Navy-affiliated ships dozens of times and carried out multiple attacks against civilian infrastructure in U.S. partner countries. They have attacked commercial vessels passing through the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait over 100 times.' Trump's executive order has requested Secretary of State Marco Rubio to take action within 30 days to implement this classification. Following the implementation of this order, Trump will instruct the U.S. Agency for International Development to 'cut ties with entities that provide assistance to the Houthis or oppose international efforts to counter this group and turn a blind eye to the terrorism and violations of the Houthis.' With Trump's executive order, the Houthi group will be placed on the Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTO) list. This group was previously on the Special Designated Global Terrorists (SDGT) list. These two classifications have differences in legal framework and impact. The SDGT classification has a greater international impact, as it targets the international assets of groups classified under it and can expand the scope of sanctions imposed on individuals and organizations interacting with these groups. However, this classification is more flexible than the FTO classification, as it exempts humanitarian aid.