The Yemeni government has welcomed the US decision to label the Houthis as a foreign terrorist organization, calling it a recognition of the threat the Iran-backed group poses to Yemen and global security.
Rashad Al-Alimi, the head of Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council (PLC), said the move is “a step toward peace and stability in Yemen and the region.
Al-Alimi thanked US President Donald Trump for the “historic decision” and his efforts to end wars and curb terrorist groups.
He emphasized the need for a global approach to support the Yemeni government and fully implement international resolutions, particularly Resolution 2216.
“Tolerating the enemies of peace means allowing these brutal militias to continue their terrorist actions,” he said.
On Wednesday, Trump issued an executive order placing the Houthi group on the US list of foreign terrorist organizations.
A senior Yemeni official told Asharq Al-Awsat that it’s too early to assess the political and economic impact of the designation on negotiations with the Houthis.
US Ambassador to Yemen, Steven Fagin, called the designation of the Houthis as a foreign terrorist organization a crucial step in neutralizing their threat.
Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Fagin said the US would work with regional partners to dismantle Houthi operations and end their attacks on US citizens, partners, and shipping in the Red Sea.
The Yemeni Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the US decision, noting it aligns with Yemen's long-standing call to label the Houthis a terrorist group due to their crimes and violations against the Yemeni people and the threat they pose to regional security.
In a statement Thursday, the Yemeni government urged the international community to take similar actions and praised its “strategic partnership” with the US in supporting Yemen.
The Ministry expressed hope that the designation would help intensify international efforts to bring peace, stability, and end Yemen's humanitarian crisis.
The White House executive order stated that the Houthis’ activities “threaten US citizens, military personnel, and regional security,” and emphasized the US policy of working with regional partners to eliminate Houthi capabilities and end their attacks on US interests.
