Houthis unfazed by US strikes or terrorist label, set the trap
The Biden Administration Redesignates Houthis as Terrorist Entity
The Biden administration made a significant announcement on Wednesday, declaring the Yemen-based Houthis as a terrorist entity. This decision coincided with the U.S. military carrying out strikes against the Iranian-supported group.
Threats to Global Trade and Crew Members
Houthi forces have been responsible for over 30 attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea since mid-November. These attacks not only pose a threat to the global trade industry but also endanger the lives of every crew member on those ships. Despite international condemnation and limited military responses, the Houthis have continued their attacks.
“The Houthis have proven that they are unresponsive to U.S. pressure to stop their attacks on the Red Sea,” said Katherine Zimmerman, a fellow with the American Enterprise Institute. “It’s unclear whether additional sanctions will change their behavior.”
Impeding Funding and Restricting Access
The designation of the Houthis as a specially designated global terrorist entity will allow the U.S. to impede their funding and further restrict their access to financial markets. This decision was made instead of listing them as a foreign terrorist organization due to certain restrictions involved in both designations.
Continued Attacks and U.S. Response
Shortly after the designation was announced, the Houthis launched a one-way attack drone that struck a U.S.-owned and operated bulk carrier ship. Although there was some damage, no one was harmed. In response, U.S. forces conducted strikes on Houthi missiles that were loaded to be fired.
These recent strikes mark the fourth iteration of U.S. military action against the Houthis. The largest iteration occurred last week, hitting over 60 targets, including munitions depots and command nodes.
Challenges and Deterrence
While the strikes have lessened the Houthis’ capabilities, defense officials expected a military response. The U.S. military aims to deter further attacks and safeguard vessels transiting the Red Sea.
However, some believe that the U.S.’s desire to avoid a broader regional conflict has deterred more significant action. Zimmerman argues that the U.S. appears deterred, allowing adversaries to threaten regional escalation and affect decision-making.
Support for the Houthis and Humanitarian Crisis
The Houthis have gained domestic support since their attacks began, positioning themselves as adversaries of the United States and Israel. This support has helped them build power on the domestic front. The Yemeni civil war, in which the Houthis are involved, has caused one of the worst humanitarian crises globally.
The Shiite Islamist Houthis, also known as Ansarallah, emerged in the 1990s and are aligned with Iran as part of Tehran’s “Axis of Resistance.”
How does the redesignation of the Houthis as a terrorist entity affect regional dynamics, particularly in relation to Iran’s involvement
By designating the Houthis as a terrorist entity, the Biden administration hopes to impede their funding and disrupt their operations. Under the designation, any individual or organization providing material support to the Houthis can potentially face severe penalties.
The United Nations has estimated that the Yemeni civil war, which has been ongoing since 2014, has resulted in one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world. Approximately 80% of the population is in need of humanitarian assistance, with millions facing the threat of famine. The Houthis, who control large parts of Yemen, have played a significant role in exacerbating this crisis.
The designation as a terrorist entity allows the United States to take a stronger stance against the group and potentially dissuade other countries from supporting them. It also enables the U.S. government to freeze the assets of individuals and entities associated with the Houthis, limiting their access to financial resources.
Concerns about Humanitarian Aid
However, some critics argue that the designation could have unintended consequences for the humanitarian situation in Yemen. There are concerns that the designation may further restrict the delivery of aid to the country, where millions of people rely on humanitarian assistance to survive.
Humanitarian agencies fear that the designation may deter donors and financial institutions from providing much-needed support to Yemen. The risk of inadvertently violating U.S. sanctions may result in a reduction in funding, hindering the delivery of essential services such as food, medicine, and clean water to vulnerable populations.
The Biden administration has sought to address these concerns by implementing a series of measures aimed at facilitating the flow of humanitarian aid to Yemen. This includes issuing licenses to international organizations and providing clear guidelines on how to navigate the designation without violating U.S. sanctions.
Broader Regional Implications
The redesignation of the Houthis as a terrorist entity also carries broader regional implications. It sends a clear message to Iran, the group’s main supporter, that the United States is willing to take decisive action against its proxies.
Iran has long been accused of providing military support and sophisticated weaponry to the Houthis, enabling them to carry out attacks in Yemen and threaten regional stability. By designating the group as a terrorist entity, the Biden administration aims to curtail Iran’s influence in Yemen and discourage further destabilizing actions.
However, the designation alone is unlikely to completely defang the Houthi threat. The Yemeni conflict is multi-faceted, with numerous competing actors and complex geopolitical dynamics. A sustainable solution requires not only addressing the Houthi challenge but also addressing the underlying causes of the conflict and ensuring the inclusion of all relevant stakeholders in the peace process.
Conclusion
The Biden administration’s decision to redesignate the Houthis as a terrorist entity highlights its commitment to addressing the security and humanitarian challenges posed by the group. While there are concerns about unintended consequences for humanitarian aid, the administration has taken steps to mitigate these risks.
By curtailing the group’s access to funding and sending a strong message to Iran, the United States hopes to contribute to a resolution of the Yemeni conflict and promote regional stability. However, the long-term success of these efforts will depend on a comprehensive approach that addresses the root causes of the conflict and includes the participation of all relevant actors in the peace process.
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