Memphis Standard

U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn and Dan Sullivan, along with several of their colleagues, have written a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, urging him to re-designate the Iranian-backed Ansarallah, also known as the Houthis, as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and as Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGT). The senators highlight the recent aggressive actions taken by the Houthis, including firing cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, and drones towards various targets, including U.S. naval assets in the region and cities in Israel.

The senators' letter states, "In the last two months, the Houthis have fired cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, and drones against an array of targets, including toward U.S. naval assets in the region and cities in Israel. On November 19, the Houthis seized an Israeli-linked cargo ship in the Red Sea and took twenty-five of its crewmembers hostage. On October 27, the Houthis launched two armed drones that were downed near Egypt, including one that hit a building adjacent to a hospital, injuring six people. On October 19, the Houthis launched a barrage of cruise missiles and armed drones likely headed toward Israel."

The senators reiterate their call to re-designate the Houthis as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and as Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGT). This is not the first time the senators have made this request, as they had sent a similar letter to Secretary Blinken in May when the Biden administration removed the terror designation for the Houthis.

The letter has additional signatories, including Senators Marco Rubio, Roger Marshall, and Mike Braun.

The full text of the letter can be found here.

This renewed call for the re-designation of the Houthis as a terrorist organization comes amidst increasing concerns about their aggressive actions and the threat they pose to regional stability. The senators are urging the Biden administration to take a strong stance against the Iranian-backed group and to recognize their role in promoting terrorism.

The Houthis' recent actions, such as seizing a cargo ship and taking crewmembers hostage, launching armed drones near Egypt, and firing cruise missiles and armed drones towards Israel, highlight the need for immediate action. By re-designating the Houthis as a terrorist organization, the U.S. can send a clear message that it will not tolerate such acts of aggression and will hold those responsible accountable.

As the re-designation is being sought, it is crucial for the international community to support this move and stand united against terrorism. The senators' letter serves as a call to action, urging Secretary Blinken to prioritize the re-designation and take necessary steps to address the threat posed by the Houthis.

The situation in the region remains tense, and it is imperative for the United States to recognize the true nature of the Houthis and their alignment with Iran. By designating them as a terrorist organization, the U.S. can send a strong message that it is committed to combating terrorism and ensuring the safety and security of its allies and interests in the region.

To find out more, go to this link: https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/1/blackburn-sullivan-colleagues-renew-call-for-biden-to-re-designate-iranian-backed-houthis-a-terrorist-org