Duval Times

Senator Rick Scott, along with Senators Jacky Rosen and Marco Rubio, has sent a bipartisan letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken. The letter urges the administration to redesignate the Houthis as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO). This move comes as the Houthis, supported by Iran, continue their aggressive actions in the Middle East.

The senators argue that since the removal of the FTO designation in 2021, the Houthis have intensified efforts to destabilize the region. "Since the misguided revocation of the Houthis’ FTO designation in 2021, the Houthis, backed by the Iranian regime, have only escalated their efforts to destabilize the Middle East," they stated. They highlighted incidents involving drone and missile attacks against Israel resulting in civilian casualties, threats to international shipping by targeting commercial vessels, direct assaults on U.S. forces, and interference with humanitarian aid delivery in Yemen.

Further emphasizing their point, they wrote: "Relisting the Houthis as an FTO would make individuals or entities providing material support to the group liable for criminal prosecution and considered Tier III terrorists subject to sanctions and a travel ban." They also noted that such a designation would allow economic measures against Houthi weapons networks and manufacturing capabilities. Additionally, it would provide legal recourse for U.S. victims of Houthi terrorism and prevent Houthi members from obtaining visas or entering America.

The senators concluded by urging Secretary Blinken to act swiftly: "We therefore urge you to immediately restore the designation of the Houthis as an FTO." This action is seen as crucial for enabling more effective targeting of Houthi assets and financial resources while holding them accountable for acts of terrorism against various nations.