US to revoke terror designation for Yemen's Houthis
Washington officials continue to condemn the Iran-linked rebels' activities, saying the terror revocation stems from humanitarian concerns.
The Joe Biden administration will revoke the United States’ terrorist designation for Yemen’s Houthi rebels on Feb. 16, the State Department announced today.
“This decision is a recognition of the dire humanitarian situation in Yemen,” a statement attributed to Secretary of State Antony Blinken read. The State Department notified Congress last week of the impending revocation.
The Donald Trump administration designated the Iran-linked Zaydi Shia rebels terrorists on Jan. 10 in a move widely opposed by rights groups and the United Nations for its likely impact of choking off humanitarian aid access to much of Yemen’s population.
Biden administration officials have emphasized that the revocation does not mean the United States does not condemn the Houthi’s activities. On Wednesday State Department Press Secretary Ned Price said the reversal has “nothing to do” with the rebels’ “reprehensible conduct.”
