Armed men stand on the beach as the Galaxy Leader commercial ship, seized by Yemen’s Houthis, is anchored off the coast of al-Salif, Yemen, Dec. 5, 2023. (Khaled Abdullah/REUTERS)
The Biden Administration’s Refusal to Redesignate Yemen’s Houthi Rebels as a Terrorist Organization Sparks Tension with U.S. Military Leaders
The Biden administration’s decision not to classify Yemen’s Houthi rebels as a terrorist organization is causing friction with U.S. military leaders in the region. They are grappling with an increase in attacks by this Iran-backed militant group.
Vice Admiral Brad Cooper, the leader of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT), responsible for countering Houthi attacks on American assets in the Middle East, expressed the challenges they face since the Biden administration removed their designation as a foreign terrorist organization. This issue became evident during a congressional delegation trip to the region.
“During my conversation with the NAVCENT commander, I specifically asked about the Houthi attacks and their designation,” said Senator Joni Ernst (R., Iowa), who led the bipartisan congressional delegation. “He indicated that it would be beneficial to have them listed as a foreign terrorist organization. So, there has been some contention regarding this matter.”
The United States and its allies are struggling to combat a wave of Houthi attacks that pose a threat to regional military personnel and commercial shipping vessels. The most significant attack occurred on Wednesday when American and British forces intercepted and destroyed 21 drones and missiles launched by the Iran-armed group. The Biden administration’s reluctance to redesignate the Houthis as a terrorist group suggests that the United States is trying to avoid provoking Tehran, as its terror proxies, including Hamas, wage war on Israel and sow chaos across the region, according to Senator Ernst.
“That’s my interpretation of why the administration is being cautious,” the senator explained. “Whether it’s the Houthis or the leadership in Iran, they perceive weakness coming from America and are taking full advantage of it.”
Senator Ernst and her delegation of seven other lawmakers met with leaders in Israel, Egypt, Bahrain, and Qatar. At each stop, Iran’s malign activities were a major concern.
“All the leaders we visited expressed concerns about Iran,” she said. “At every stop, we were asked about American leadership. They were very direct in stating that we need American leadership.”
Shortly after President Biden took office, his administration removed the Houthis from the list of foreign terrorist organizations, reversing a policy initiated by the Trump administration. This reversal aimed to ease tensions with Iran, the chief sponsor of the terror group, and foster goodwill with the hardline regime in Tehran.
Since Hamas initiated its conflict with Israel in October, the Houthis have sought to escalate regional unrest through a series of missile attacks, aiming to disrupt commercial shipping routes and draw the United States into a broader conflict.
Amidst these attacks, the Biden administration has been pressuring Israel to end its military campaign in the Gaza Strip and refrain from opening a new front along the northern border with Lebanon, where the Iran-backed Hezbollah group has also intensified its terrorist activities.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken is currently in the region, urging Israel not to expand its military operations.
Senator Ernst stated that U.S. pressure, whether real or perceived, will not deter Israel from taking all necessary measures to eliminate Hamas and counter other threats from Iranian proxy groups.
“They made it very clear that they will continue to target Hamas,” Ernst emphasized. “They have their own objectives, and it should be up to Israel to determine what those objectives are. That’s the impression I got from the Israelis.”
During the congressional delegation’s visit, they also toured Israeli villages devastated by Hamas terrorists and met with the families of those still held captive by the terror group. They also spent time with hostage negotiators from various nations, advocating for the release of all Americans captured by Hamas on October 7.
Ernst also highlighted Israel’s need for various munitions from the United States and assured that Congress will work this week to allocate the necessary funds to fully equip the Jewish state.
Why do Republicans and some Democrats argue that the removal of the Houthi rebels from the terrorist organization list sends the wrong message to Iran and undermines U.S. efforts to counter its influence in the region?
Olicy implemented by the Trump administration in its final days. The move was met with criticism and concern from U.S. military leaders, who view the Houthi rebels as a significant threat in the region. By refusing to designate them as a terrorist organization, the Biden administration is sending a message that it is willing to overlook the group’s destabilizing and violent actions.
The Houthi rebels, also known as Ansar Allah, have been at war with the Yemeni government since 2014. The conflict has resulted in a humanitarian crisis, with millions of people facing famine and displacement. The rebels have received significant support from Iran, both in terms of weapons and military training.
The decision to remove the Houthi rebels from the terrorist organization list has drawn criticism from Republicans and some Democrats alike. They argue that it sends the wrong message to Iran and undermines U.S. efforts to counter its influence in the region. The recent increase in Houthi attacks on American assets and commercial shipping vessels only adds to these concerns.
Vice Admiral Brad Cooper, during his conversation with the congressional delegation, emphasized the importance of designating the Houthi rebels as a terrorist organization. The designation would provide the U.S. military with additional tools and resources to counter the group’s attacks effectively. It would also send a clear message to Iran that their support for such militant groups will not be tolerated.
The Biden administration’s reluctance to take a tougher stance on the Houthi rebels can be seen as part of its larger strategy towards Iran. The administration is currently engaged in negotiations to revive the Iran nuclear deal, which has faced criticism for its lack of addressing Iran’s regional aggression. By not designating the Houthis as a terrorist organization, the administration may be trying to avoid jeopardizing these talks and further escalating tensions with Iran.
However, this approach is not without its risks. The Houthi attacks pose a direct threat to American personnel in the region, as well as to international shipping lanes. By failing to designate the group as a terrorist organization, the United States is sending a message of weakness and emboldening the rebels to continue their destabilizing activities.
The concerns expressed by Senator Joni Ernst and other lawmakers during their delegation trip highlight the urgent need for a reassessment of the Biden administration’s policy towards the Houthi rebels. It is essential to prioritize the security and well-being of American personnel and to send a clear message that the United States will not tolerate attacks on its assets or those of its allies.
As the situation in Yemen continues to deteriorate, it is crucial for the Biden administration to take a firmer stance on the Houthi rebels. Designating them as a terrorist organization would not only provide the U.S. military with the necessary tools to counter their attacks but also send a strong message to Iran about the consequences of supporting militant groups in the region. The Biden administration must prioritize the safety and security of American personnel and take decisive action to address the threat posed by the Houthi rebels in Yemen.
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