US implements designation of Yemen’s Houthis as ‘terrorist organization’

The U.S. State Department on Tuesday said it was implementing the designation of Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement as a “foreign terrorist organization” after President Donald Trump’s call for the move earlier this year.

“The Houthis’ activities threaten the security of American civilians and personnel in the Middle East, the safety of our closest regional partners, and the stability of global maritime trade,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement.

“The United States will not tolerate any country engaging with terrorist organizations like the Houthis in the name of practicing legitimate international business,” he added.

The move, however, triggered concerns it could impact regional security and worsen Yemen’s humanitarian crisis because importers fear being hit with U.S. sanctions if supplies fall into Houthi hands.

Read more: Reuters