Washington, Jan 23 (V7N) — Newly elected US President Donald Trump has officially designated Yemen's Houthi group as a "foreign terrorist organization." The announcement came through an executive order signed on Wednesday, local time.

In his order, Trump cited the Houthis’ activities as a significant threat to the safety of American civilians in the Middle East, the security of US allies in the region, and the stability of global maritime commerce.

“They are responsible for deadly attacks not only in Yemen but also in Saudi Arabia and the UAE,” Trump stated while signing the order. The president also pointed to their history of targeting American vessels in the region’s waters.

Since November 2023, the Iran-backed Houthi group has reportedly carried out over 100 attacks on ships navigating the Red Sea, further intensifying tensions in the region. Trump emphasized that such actions have jeopardized the safety of critical shipping lanes and endangered global trade.

The executive order also directed US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to prepare and submit a detailed report on the Houthis' activities within the next 30 days.

This decision is expected to draw international reactions, with some allies welcoming the move as a firm stance against regional threats, while others may express concerns over its implications for Yemen's ongoing conflict.

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