US expands sanctions against Yemen’s Houthis

The US Department of the Treasury has announced a significant expansion of sanctions targeting Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement, Ansar Allah, in what officials describe as the largest such action to date.

The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) said on September 11 that it is imposing sanctions on 32 individuals and entities, as well as four vessels, in a bid to disrupt the Houthis’ fundraising, smuggling, and military operations, Caliber.Az reports. 

Among those targeted are several China-based companies accused of transporting military-grade components and facilitating the shipment of dual-use goods to the Houthis. The sanctions also include petroleum smugglers and Houthi-linked shipping firms, according to the Treasury Department. 

Overall, individuals and companies from Yemen, China, the United Arab Emirates, and other countries have been hit with restrictions for providing financing, fuel, logistics, and other forms of support to the group. In addition, four ships used to transport oil and petroleum products have been added to the sanctions list.

The Treasury emphasised that the measures aim to weaken the economic networks that sustain the Houthis’ operations.

By Sabina Mammadli