US Warns Houthis, Despite ‘Terror’ Designation Removal

The US intends to continue pressuring the Houthis in Yemen, US State Department spokesmen Ned Price said on Monday.

Price’s warning came a day after a statement called on the Houthis to cease its attacks on Saudi civilians and targets in Yemen. On Friday, the State Department notified Congress of its intention to remove the Yemenite organization’s designation as a “foreign terrorist organization.”

The Houthi rebels in Yemen were categorized as a terrorist organization by the previous administration. The move drew criticism from aid agencies who said their ability to act in Yemen would be damaged by the designation and the American sanctions that come with it. Some 80% of Yemen’s population relies on foreign aid for survival.

Price said the government views the Houthis’ conduct as “reprehensible,” but that the State Department is “profoundly concerned for the humanitarian implications” of the Trump Administration’s last-minute move.

A negotiated solution is being sought for the conflict between the Yemeni government, backed by a Saudi-led coalition, and the Houthis, which has continued for almost six years.