U.S. Designates Houthis as Terrorists Amid Russia’s Growing Influence

SANAA, Yemen — The United States officially designated the Houthis as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) on March 4, 2025, a move that highlights a shift in approach after years of failed diplomacy. Despite treating the Houthis as legitimate negotiating partners, international bodies were continually outmaneuvered by the Iran-backed group, leading to increased tensions in the region.

As the Houthis strengthened their alliance with Iran, they also expanded their military presence in the Red Sea and targeted vessels, posing significant threats. This geopolitical evolution has been supported by Russia, which has played a crucial yet often overlooked role—establishing a military partnership that integrates Houthi efforts into broader regional dynamics.

Mohammad Abdulsalam, the chief Houthi spokesperson and a former figure sought for negotiation, was among seven individuals sanctioned by the U.S. for their roles in the group’s weapons procurement and smuggling operations. “The sanctions reveal a troubling supply chain of instability linking Tehran, Sanaa, and Moscow,” said an official source who wished to remain anonymous.

The designation of the Houthis as an FTO aims to disrupt their military capabilities by targeting Russian-linked figures. Analysts suggest this relationship has shifted from convenience to a strategic military alliance, with the Houthis increasingly operating as a proxy for Moscow, particularly as Russia finds creative avenues to assert its influence amid isolation due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Moreover, Yemen’s internationally recognized government has welcomed the FTO designation, viewing it as recognition that the Houthis are not genuinely committed to peace. Many Yemenis have suffered firsthand from Houthi atrocities, including violence and oppression. The designation symbolizes a commitment to addressing the escalating humanitarian crisis driven by the group.

“For years, the international community has overlooked the Houthis’ destabilizing activities,” commented Fatima Abo Alasrar, a senior analyst at the Washington Center for Yemeni Studies. “Now, the FTO designation may serve as a wake-up call to those still engaged in misguided diplomacy.”

Evidence of the Houthis’ deepening ties with Russia and Iran indicates their operations are evolving beyond mere insurgency. The U.S. Treasury recently reported that Russian military advisors are providing technical support that enhances the Houthis’ operational capabilities in the Red Sea.

In a troubling revelation, some Houthi leaders have reportedly facilitated the recruitment of Yemeni civilians to fight for Russia in Ukraine. By mid-2024, thousands of Yemenis were allegedly funneled into Russian military training camps under false pretenses. This underscores a disturbing dimension of the Houthi-Russia alliance, showcasing the moral implications of their collaboration.

As tensions in Yemen persist, analysts warn this alignment invites deeper instability into the Red Sea region, especially with the Houthis’ focus on selective targeting of Western shipping while exempting Russian and Chinese vessels. General Michael has previously stated that Iran, Russia, and China are leveraging groups like the Houthis to undermine U.S. interests globally.

The strategic targeting exhibited by the Houthis is increasingly alarming, reflecting calculated efforts to reshape global trade routes and political influence. As General Michael emphasized before Congress, “Asymmetric actors like the Houthis are playing a pivotal role in this new order.”

Despite the pressing challenges, Western policymakers have clung to outdated perceptions about the Houthis’ role, failing to recognize them as instrumental in a broader anti-Western alignment that poses severe implications for regional stability. With the international community still grappling with Yemen’s prolonged crisis, questions arise about the effectiveness and timing of renewed U.S. actions.

“Washington must pivot from legacy approaches or risk losing influence to actors that no longer prioritize Yemeni interests but instead serve Tehran and Moscow,” Abo Alasrar concluded. “The urgency to re-evaluate strategies toward the Houthis is paramount, especially as the geopolitical landscape continues to evolve.”