Houthi Classification as a Terrorist Organization: Reasons, Risks, and Impact on Yemen

A recent report from the American magazine "Fair Observer" delves into the decision made by former U.S. President Donald Trump to designate the Houthi movement in Yemen as a foreign terrorist organization. This decision comes amid increasing international condemnation of the armed Houthi group, which has controlled Yemen for over a decade with the backing of Iran.

The report explains that the United States made this decision due to the group's oppressive grip on the Yemeni population, in addition to their attacks on neighboring countries. In contrast, the Houthis claim that their support for Palestinians is the reason for their designation as a terrorist organization, using it as part of their propaganda efforts to justify their actions

On January 22, 2025, Trump re-designated the Houthis as a terrorist organization, reversing the decision made by the Biden administration in January 2021, which had removed the designation. However, in 2024, the Houthis were listed as “Specially Designated Global Terrorists” due to their aggression in the Red Sea.

There has been ongoing debate in the media about the motives behind the Houthi classification. Some reports accuse the U.S. administration of punishing the Yemeni people for their support of the Palestinian cause, arguing that this only benefits the Houthis while deepening the suffering of the Yemeni population.

Despite claims that the Houthis are legitimate representatives of the Yemeni people, the reality shows that the group holds over 8 million Yemenis hostage, using them as human shields. Furthermore, the Houthis have carried out hundreds of attacks on civilians and targeted critical infrastructure, worsening the humanitarian crisis.

Iran has supported the Houthis with weapons and financial backing, strengthening their ability to carry out repressive operations. These relations have escalated the violence in Yemen, with cities and villages being attacked by the Houthis, further increasing the suffering of the population.

Reports also highlight the impact of the Houthis on humanitarian work, as they have detained numerous aid workers and obstructed the delivery of assistance to those in need. The United Nations has confirmed that around 19.5 million people in Yemen require humanitarian aid, with widespread hunger exacerbated by Houthi policies.

The Houthi group continues to focus on maintaining its power through propaganda and by accusing its opponents, while the Yemeni people suffer from a devastating humanitarian crisis. Experts assert that the Houthis are not seeking peace but rather using the Palestinian cause as a cover to justify their repressive actions.

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