Breaking: US relists Yemen’s Houthis as terrorist organisation

The US on Wednesday relisted the Houthis as a terrorist group, US officials announced. 

Officials said the "Specially Designated Global Terrorist" (SDGT) designation, which targets the group with harsh sanctions, was aimed at cutting off funding and weapons the Houthis have used to attack or hijack ships in vital Red Sea shipping lanes, as a response to Israel’s war on Gaza.

"These attacks fit the textbook definition of terrorism," said one of three administration officials who briefed reporters ahead of the announcement, on condition of anonymity.

The White House’s National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said the designation, which comes into effect in 30 days, could be reevaluated if the Houthis stop their attacks in the Red Sea.