Representative Abe Hamadeh (R-AZ) has introduced a resolution calling for the placement of sanctions on individuals connected to the Houthi rebels in Yemen.
The Iran-backed group, formally known as Ansar Allah ("Partisans of God"), has targeted American, Israeli, and allied vessels in the Red Sea since the October 7th terror attack of 2023, a significant concern given a third of all international shipping goes through the Suez Canal.
The Houthis have struck ships in the region almost daily, sinking a bulk carrier and attacking four different ships in June, which the group has justified as a response to Israel's retaliatory war against Hamas in Gaza.
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US Central Command (CENTCOM) stated in response to the rationale, "The Houthis claim to be acting on behalf of Palestinians in Gaza, and yet they threaten and have taken the lives of innocent civilians who have nothing to do with the conflict in Gaza. CENTCOM will continue to act with partners to hold the Houthis accountable and degrade their military capabilities."
Notably, the Biden Administration removed the Houthis from the United States' list of Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) in 2021, which President Donald Trump has quickly restored.
Rep. Hamadeh's resolution thus sanctions the group's officials, agents, or affiliates for international terrorism.
In his press release, Rep. Hamadeh fiercely criticized the Biden Administration's "reckless foreign policy" that "has cost American lives in the Red Sea and countless US assets. President Trump was right to issue his Executive Order, and I am pleased to strengthen our nation's position by introducing this resolution, which should enhance global stability."
Earlier in February, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth revealed the Trump Administration's plans to weaken Iran and thereby stop not only the Houthis' reign of terror on the Red Sea but also the capabilities of Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon to keep fighting Israel.
Said Hegseth, "Destroying Hamas's capabilities in Gaza, Hezbollah's capabilities in the north, damaging the Houthi infrastructure in Yemen are things that are of great importance to America."
