The Biden administration plans to redesignate the Houthis as a global terrorist group after the “militia” group repeatedly attacked commercial ships in the Red Sea, the Associated Press reported on Tuesday.
The Iranian-backed Houthi militia, based in Yemen, has carried out several attacks on commercial ships and US coalition forces in the Red Sea since October 7, in an apparent show of support for Hamas' continued war against Israel. started. The Biden administration removed the Houthis from the Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) list and the “Specially Designated Global Terrorist” list in 2021, but will return them to the latter amid increasing aggression in the Middle East. It was reported that they are considering it.Two people familiar with this matter talked Send anonymously to AP. (Related article: US attacks missile base in Houthi-controlled Yemen)
At 2:30 a.m. (Sanaa time) on January 11, U.S. Central Command, in coordination with the United Kingdom and with support from Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, and Bahrain, launched an attack on the Houthis to reduce their ability to sustain attacks. Conducted joint attacks against targets. they are illegal… pic.twitter.com/bR8biMolSx
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) January 12, 2024
The Biden administration initially removed the Houthis from its watch list, citing concerns about their potential impact on humanitarian aid to Yemen.
The Houthis have launched more than 20 attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea in recent months, blocking businesses from transiting the region and straining global trade. The United States formed a joint coalition with other Western forces in the Red Sea to stop the Houthis and eventually launched retaliatory strikes against the militia following further attacks.
Biden's own administration has not officially called the Houthis terrorists, but President Joe Biden suddenly said during a campaign event last week:[thinks] They are,” warning of future strikes if the group continues its attacks in the area. according to to Reuters. White House national security press secretary John Kirby reiterated Biden's latter claim on Tuesday, but said the United States “doesn't want war in the Middle East” and said the attack was an attack on the Houthis' offensive capabilities. He said that his sole purpose was to neutralize the according to To Axios.
The White House did not respond to requests for comment.
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