USS Gravely Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group deployed to the US 5th Fleet Middle East Red Sea — Guided missile destroyer USS Gravely is one of the vessels that has struck Houthi targets in Yemen in response to the group's attacks (Picture: US Department of Defense)

USA

Houthis declared a terrorist group by US as militants continue strikes on shipping

The United States has declared the Houthis as a terrorist organisation due to the militia group's continued attacks on shipping in the Red Sea.

US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said the Houthis' unprecedented attacks against the United States military and maritime vessels "fit the textbook definition of terrorism".

"They have endangered US personnel, civilian mariners and our partners, jeopardised global trade and threatened freedom of navigation," he said.

Mr Sullivan said designating the Iranian-backed group as a terrorist organisation was an important tool to impede terrorist funding to the Houthis, restrict their finances and hold them accountable.

"If the Houthis cease their attacks in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, the United States will immediately re-evaluate this designation," he added.

Watch: Head of Strategic Command says Houthis need to understand the message after strikes.

"The designation will take effect 30 days from now, to allow us to ensure robust humanitarian carve-outs are in place so our action targets the Houthis and not the people of Yemen.

"As President Biden has said, the United States will not hesitate to take further actions to protect our people and the free flow of international commerce."

The announcement came after the US launched further strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen.

U.S. CENTCOM Strikes Houthi Terrorist Missile Launchers

In the context of ongoing multi-national efforts to protect freedom of navigation and prevent attacks on U.S. and partner maritime traffic in the Red Sea, on Jan. 17 at approximately 11:59 p.m. (Sanaa time), U.S. Central… pic.twitter.com/MMCQbzr1f7
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) January 18, 2024

In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, US Central Command said they conducted strikes on "14 Iran-backed Houthi missiles that were loaded to be fired in Houthi controlled areas in Yemen".

The post also said the missiles "on launch rails presented an imminent threat to merchant vessels and U.S. Navy ships in the region and could have been fired at any time".

This prompted the US "to exercise their inherent right and obligation to defend themselves".

"The actions by the Iranian-backed Houthi terrorists continue to endanger international mariners and disrupt the commercial shipping lanes in the Southern Red Sea and adjacent waterways," said General Michael Erik Kurilla, US Central Command Commander.

"We will continue to take actions to protect the lives of innocent mariners and we will always protect our people."