The Biden administration is expected to soon announce plans to redesignate Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen as specially designated global terrorists, according to two people familiar with the White House decision and a U.S. official.
The move comes as the Houthis have launched dozens of attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea. The group says it has attacked the ships in response to Israel’s military operations in Gaza in the aftermath of Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on Israel.
The three people familiar with the decision were not authorized to comment and requested anonymity to discuss the matter ahead of the expected formal announcement.
Hijacking ships and taking the civilian crews hostage for political purposes isn’t terrorism?
I imagine the Yemeni see it as an act of war. But given that they’ve been at war for the last ten years, I don’t think they’re really worried about whether they get labeled as “terrorists” or “enemy combatants” or “paramilitary” or whatever.