On January 22, 2025, President Donald J. Trump issued an executive order initiating the process for designating Ansar Allah, also known as the Houthis, as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) under section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1189).
The order details several activities attributed to Ansar Allah, including attacks on U.S. Navy warships since 2023, targeting civilian infrastructure in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, and launching over 300 projectiles at Israel since October 2023. The group has also reportedly conducted over 100 attacks on commercial vessels in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, resulting in civilian casualties and disruptions to maritime traffic, contributing to global inflation.
The executive order outlines the following steps:
- Report on Designation: The Secretary of State, in consultation with the Director of National Intelligence and the Secretary of the Treasury, is tasked with submitting a report to the President within 30 days on the designation of Ansar Allah as a foreign terrorist organization.
- Implementation of Designation: Following the submission of the report, the Secretary of State is directed to take appropriate action regarding the designation within 15 days, consistent with applicable laws.
- Review of USAID Partnerships: Upon designation, the Secretary of State and the Administrator of USAID are to review partnerships with entities operating in Yemen. The review will identify organizations that have either made payments to Ansar Allah-controlled entities or failed to adequately document the group’s alleged abuses while criticizing international counter-efforts.
- Termination of Contracts: USAID is directed to terminate any projects, grants, or contracts linked to entities identified in the review as having problematic associations with Ansar Allah.
The executive order emphasizes the United States’ policy to work with regional partners to dismantle Ansar Allah’s operational capabilities, end its attacks on U.S. and partner interests, and protect maritime shipping in the Red Sea. This action reflects the administration’s broader effort to counter threats to U.S. national security and regional stability.