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• The Trump administration has re-designated the Houthi movement, also known as Ansar Allah, as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO).
• This move reverses a decision by the Biden administration, which had removed the Houthis from the FTO list due to concerns about aid delivery in Yemen.
• The designation is part of the U.S. strategy to counter Houthi attacks on U.S. personnel, regional partners, and global maritime trade.

Quick Brief

2-Minute Digest

Essential Context

The Houthi movement, backed by Iran, has been involved in a prolonged conflict in Yemen since 2014. The Trump administration initially designated the Houthis as an FTO in January 2021, but this designation was revoked by the Biden administration in February 2021 due to concerns it could hinder humanitarian aid delivery.

Core Players

• Donald Trump – President Trump who initiated and re-initiated the FTO designation
• Joe Biden – Current U.S. President whose administration previously revoked the FTO designation
• Ansar Allah (Houthis) – The Iranian-backed militia group in Yemen
• Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Quds Force (IRGC-QF) – Supports the Houthis with arms and training

Key Numbers

• January 2021: Initial FTO designation by the Trump administration
• February 2021: Biden administration revokes the FTO designation
• Over 100: Times the Houthis have attacked commercial vessels transiting Bab al-Mandeb
• 300+: Projectiles fired at Israel by the Houthis since October 2023
• 4: Civilian sailors killed in Houthi attacks on maritime traffic

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The Catalyst

The recent re-designation of the Houthis as an FTO is a response to the group’s continued aggressive activities. These include firing at U.S. Navy warships, launching attacks on civilian infrastructure in partner nations, and targeting commercial vessels in the Red Sea.

This move is part of a broader U.S. strategy to cooperate with regional partners to eliminate the Houthis’ capabilities and operations.

Inside Forces

The decision to re-designate the Houthis reflects internal U.S. policy dynamics, particularly the shift back to a more aggressive stance against terrorist organizations. The Trump administration’s move is also influenced by the Houthis’ continued violence and their support from Iran’s IRGC-QF.

Power Dynamics

The re-designation gives the U.S. significant leverage to isolate the Houthis economically and militarily. It also reflects the power dynamic where the U.S. seeks to strengthen its regional allies and counter Iranian influence in the Middle East.

The move may face opposition from humanitarian organizations concerned about the impact on aid delivery in Yemen.

Outside Impact

The designation is likely to have broad implications for the region. It may exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in Yemen, as aid organizations face increased challenges in operating in Houthi-controlled areas.

It also signals a tougher U.S. stance on terrorism and Iranian proxy groups, which could influence other regional conflicts.

Future Forces

In the coming weeks, the U.S. will implement measures to enforce the FTO designation. This includes reviewing and potentially cutting ties with UN partners, NGOs, and contractors who have dealings with the Houthis.

The U.S. will also work closely with regional partners to enhance security measures and counter Houthi operations.

Data Points

• January 22, 2025: Executive Order signed to re-designate the Houthis as an FTO
• 30 days: Timeframe for the Secretary of State to submit a report on the designation
• 2014-2015: Houthis seize most Yemeni population centers by force
• January 2022: Deadly Houthi attacks on the United Arab Emirates
• October 2023: Start of Houthi projectile attacks on Israel