U.S. Sanctions Top Houthi Officials Over Russia Ties and Arms Trafficking

The United States Department of the Treasury has imposed new sanctions on seven senior Houthi officials, accusing them of illicit arms trade with Russia to fuel military activities in Yemen. Additionally, a Houthi-linked business and its owner have been blacklisted for allegedly recruiting Yemeni fighters to support Russian forces in Ukraine, serving as a source of funding for the group’s militant operations.

Scott Bassett, U.S. Treasury Undersecretary, stated that these Houthi leaders have been actively securing weapons from international suppliers, destabilizing the Red Sea region. He emphasized that the U.S. will continue to take decisive measures to curb the Houthis’ terrorist activities and prevent disruptions to global maritime trade.

The sanctions are enforced under Executive Order 13224, amended to strengthen counterterrorism efforts. Furthermore, on February 16, 2024, the U.S. State Department officially classified the Houthi movement (Ansar Allah) as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) entity.

Who Are the Sanctioned Houthi Leaders?

1. Mohammed Abdul-Salam – The Houthis’ chief spokesperson, accused of orchestrating international financial and arms networks.
2. Ishaq Abdul-Malik Abdullah Al-Maouni – A senior strategist, responsible for high-level military dealings with Russia.
3. Mehdi Mohammed Hussein Al-Mashat – Leader of the Supreme Political Council, known for fostering relations with the Kremlin.
4. Mohammed Ali Al-Houthi – Former head of the Supreme Revolutionary Committee, facilitated safe passage for Russian and Chinese vessels in the Red Sea.
5. Ali Mohammed Mohsen Saleh Al-Hadi – Head of the Sana’a Chamber of Commerce, accused of concealing arms transactions and funding militant operations.
6. Abdul-Malik Abdullah Mohammed Al-Ajri – Senior Houthi operative, engaged in diplomatic missions with Russia and China.
7. Khalid Hussein Saleh Jaber – Houthi representative in Russia, played a key role in financial coordination and procurement of military assets.

The U.S. Treasury further disclosed that the Houthis have been forcibly recruiting Yemeni nationals to fight in Ukraine on behalf of Russian forces. Abdul-Wali Abda Hassan Al-Jabri, a prominent Houthi financier and owner of Al-Jabri General Trading & Investment Company, was blacklisted for funding militant operations through these activities.