The order designates Ansar Allah (also known as the Houthis) for consideration of designation as a Foreign Terrorist Organization under section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1189). The Houthis are supported by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Quds Force, which has been linked to terrorist organizations worldwide. Since seizing control of Yemen in 2014-2015, the Houthis have launched numerous attacks on civilian infrastructure, including multiple attacks on airports and projectiles fired at Israel.
The order is aimed at eliminating Ansar Allah’s capabilities and operations, depriving it of resources, and ending its attacks on U.S. personnel and civilians. The Secretary of State must submit a report to the President within 30 days of the order, followed by action to designate Ansar Allah as a foreign terrorist organization.