Houthi-linked vessels targeted by US Treasury to disrupt efforts to fund ‘dangerous and destabilizing attacks’
The Trump administration has taken decisive action against vessels and their owners who have been providing support to the Houthi rebels, who are known to be part of Iran’s network of terrorist proxies. The Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control announced on Monday that three vessels and their owners have been sanctioned for aiding the Houthis in their efforts to deploy missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles, and naval mines to attack commercial shipping interests in the Red Sea.
This move comes in response to the destabilizing activities of the Houthis, which threaten global freedom of navigation and the integrity of international commerce. Treasury Deputy Secretary Michael Faulkender emphasized the commitment to disrupt the Houthis’ dangerous attacks in the region, stating that the department will continue to target those who enable the group’s violence.
The State Department had previously designated the Houthis as a specially designated global terrorist in February 2024, and later as a foreign terrorist organization in March. Providing support to the Houthis not only carries sanctions risk but also exposes vessels and crew members to serious safety risks from potential Houthi attacks.
The Houthis control strategic ports in Yemen, including Hudaydah, Ras Isa, and Al-Salif, and are using port revenues and the seizure of refined petroleum products to fund their campaign of violence. The group sells petroleum products at exorbitant prices on Yemen’s black market, enabling them to purchase military materials and create shortages of essential goods for the Yemeni people.
Among the vessels targeted for sanctions are the Tulip BZ, used by Zaas Shipping & Trading Co. to deliver liquid petroleum gas to Ras Isa, and the Maisan, used by Bagsak Shipping Inc. to transport gas oil to the same port. Great Success Shipping Co. also facilitated the delivery of gas oil to Ras Isa using the vessel White Whale.
President Trump had directed the Department of Defense to move additional combat forces into the Middle East in March, following military strikes against the Houthi militants in Yemen. The strikes have been aimed at stopping attacks on American forces and commercial ships in the Red Sea.
The U.S. will continue striking until the Houthi group no longer poses a threat to navigation or U.S. personnel. The airstrikes have targeted Houthi weapons, leadership, and command centers, with Navy ships, Air Force bombers, and drones being utilized in the operations.
The Houthis have escalated attacks in the Red Sea following the Hamas terror attack on Israel in October 2023. They have targeted U.S. warships and avoided hitting Chinese and Saudi ships, raising concerns about their strategic intentions.
In April, the International Bank of Yemen Y.S.C. (IBY) was sanctioned by the Trump administration for its financial support of the Houthi terrorists. The administration remains committed to ensuring the safety of Americans and protecting international shipping interests in the region.
