The US State Department has said it was implementing the designation of Yemen’s Houthi movement as a “foreign terrorist organisation” after President Donald Trump’s call for the move earlier this year, Reuters reports.
“The Houthis’ activities threaten the security of American civilians and personnel in the Middle East, the safety of our closest regional partners, and the stability of global maritime trade,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement.
“The United States will not tolerate any country engaging with terrorist organisations like the Houthis in the name of practicing legitimate international business,” he added.
The move, however, triggered concerns it could impact regional security and worsen Yemen’s humanitarian crisis because importers fear being hit with US sanctions if supplies fall into Houthi hands.
“For humanitarian goods a lot of it comes in through the private sector. If this is not possible, it will have a devastating humanitarian impact,” said UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, pointing out that some 19 million Yemenis require life-saving assistance.
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