Designation of Ansar Allah as a Foreign Terrorist Organization

Executive Order 2025-02103
Signed on January 23, 2025
First 100 Days
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What it means

Directs the Secretary of State to evaluate designating the Houthi rebel group (Ansar Allah) as a Foreign Terrorist Organization within 30 days. If designated, USAID must review and potentially terminate aid projects in Yemen that have made payments to Houthis or criticized international counter-Houthi efforts.

Expected impact

  • Enhanced U.S. ability to combat Houthi forces through sanctions, asset freezes, and travel bans for anyone providing support to the group
  • Potential reduction in humanitarian aid to Yemen if NGOs are unable to operate in Houthi-controlled territories
  • Signal of stronger U.S. support for regional allies like Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Israel who have been targeted by Houthi attacks
  • Possible further escalation of regional tensions, as Iran supports the Houthis
  • Disruption to global shipping through the Red Sea, potentially impacting supply chains and contributing to inflation

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