U.S. State Department Confirms Continued Pursuit of International Smuggling Networks Funding the Houthis

Yemen Monitor / Newsroom:

The U.S. State Department stated that the recent sanctions primarily aim to sever the financial links between Iran and the Houthis, as well as networks threatening navigation in the Red Sea.

Deputy Spokesperson for the Department, Tommy Bigott, explained in a statement today that the sanctions focus on pursuing shell companies and intermediaries active in Yemen, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates. This is in addition to drying up funding sources for destabilizing activities and entities supporting Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, while tracking international smuggling networks involved in raising illegal funds and purchasing weapons.

He affirmed Washington’s resolve to use all available tools to eliminate Houthi threats and deprive them of the resources necessary to carry out their reckless actions affecting allies and partners in the region.

He also emphasized that these moves are part of the United States’ firm commitment to protecting international navigation and preventing the continuation of activities that undermine the security and stability of vital waterways.

The U.S. Department of the Treasury had announced yesterday the imposition of new sanctions targeting 21 individuals and entities, in addition to one ship, for their role in facilitating the transfer of petroleum products, purchasing weapons and dual-use equipment, and providing financial services to the Houthi group.