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In a significant escalation of its response to the ongoing maritime threats in the Red Sea, the United States has reinstated the designation of Yemen’s Houthi rebels as a “Specially Designated Global Terrorist” group.
The move comes amid a series of attacks on international shipping attributed to the Iran-backed militia, which have raised concerns over the safety of one of the world’s key maritime trade routes.
The US military also launched another wave of ship- and submarine-launched missile strikes against Houthi-controlled sites. This marks the fourth direct targeting of the group in Yemen in recent days.
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The US aims to disrupt the flow of funding and weapons to the Houthis by placing them back on the terrorist list, a decision announced by Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
However, a Houthi spokesperson told news agency Reuters that attacks on ships heading to Israel would persist, and the terrorist designation would not alter their stance.
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The US military executed another round of missile strikes from ships and submarines against Houthi-controlled sites in Yemen, marking the fourth such action in recent days.
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Strikes hit multiple governorates including Dhamar, Hodieda, Taiz, al-Bayda, and Saada, as reported by Houthi-run al-Masirah TV.
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The Houthis justify their attacks on shipping as support for Palestinians in Gaza, and have declared US and British interests as “legitimate targets”.
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Nearly 30 sites in Yemen were targeted by the US and UK with over 150 munitions last week, followed by additional strikes on a Houthi radar site.
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Despite sanctions and military actions, the Houthis continue their campaign, recently launching an anti-ship ballistic missile and attacking the M/V Genco Picardy, a US-owned vessel. The US shipping operator confirmed the attack but reported no injuries to the crew, with limited damage to the ship.
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Washington has cautioned Iran against supplying weapons to the Houthis, with Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder stating that would continue to take military action US military action to prevent future attacks.
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Despite international pressure, the Houthis claimed a “direct hit” on the US Genco Picardy bulk carrier, signaling their resolve to continue maritime attacks.
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While holding the Houthis accountable, Secretary Blinken emphasised that actions should not come at the expense of Yemeni civilians.
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