Senator Marco Rubio | Official U.S. House headshot
Senator Marco Rubio | Official U.S. House headshot
U.S. Senators Marco Rubio, Jacky Rosen, and other colleagues have called on Secretary of State Antony Blinken to redesignate the Houthis as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO). The group, supported by Iran, has increased its attacks in the Middle East. This move would aim to impose significant costs on the Houthis and restrict their capacity for terrorism.
The letter sent to Secretary Blinken criticizes the Biden-Harris Administration's previous decision to remove this designation. "We therefore urge you to immediately restore the designation of the Houthis as an FTO," it states, emphasizing that such a measure would allow the U.S. to better manage the group's financial assets and hold them accountable for acts of terrorism against various nations including the United States and Israel.
Senators Rick Scott, Bob Casey, Marsha Blackburn, and Catherine Cortez Masto joined Rubio and Rosen in this appeal. The letter outlines various actions by the Houthis since 2021 that contribute to regional instability, including drone strikes against Israel and attacks on commercial vessels in key shipping lanes.
According to U.S. intelligence reports cited in the letter, Iran has provided advanced weaponry to the Houthis, enhancing their ability to conduct operations beyond Yemen's borders. A specific incident highlighted was a drone attack on Tel Aviv in July 2024 resulting in casualties.
Following a terrorist attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, there have been further Houthi actions targeting shipping routes vital for global commerce. These developments prompted Operation Prosperity Guardian aimed at maintaining navigation freedom in affected areas.
The senators argue that relisting the Houthis as an FTO would enable legal action against supporters of the group and strengthen measures against their weapons networks without hindering humanitarian aid delivery.
The appeal concludes with a request for prompt action from Secretary Blinken: "We therefore urge you to immediately restore the designation of the Houthis as an FTO."
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