US announces sweeping new sanctions on Yemen’s Houthis

The United States has unveiled a new round of sanctions against Yemen’s Houthis, in what Washington described as its largest single action to date targeting the group.

The Treasury Department said on Thursday that 32 individuals and entities, along with four vessels, were sanctioned in a bid to disrupt Houthi fundraising, smuggling and military operations, Reuters reported.

The measures include penalties on several China-based companies accused of supplying military-grade components and arranging dual-use goods for shipment to the Houthis. The Treasury also blacklisted petroleum smugglers and Houthi-linked shipping firms that, it said, provide vital support to the group’s armed activities.

Since late 2023, the Houthis have carried out hundreds of drone and missile strikes on vessels in the Red Sea, disrupting global trade. The group says its attacks target ships linked to Israel in support of Palestinians amid Israel’s genocide in Gaza.