Federal government adds Yemen-based Houthis to terror list

The Canadian government has recently made a significant decision to add the Houthis, a Shia Islamist militant group based in Yemen, to Canada’s list of designated terrorist entities. The Houthis, also known as Ansarallah, have been actively involved in an insurgency in Yemen for the past twenty years, with the goal of overthrowing the current government.

In recent times, the Houthis have escalated their activities by disrupting commercial shipping and launching drones and missiles towards Israel, particularly following the eruption of conflict in Gaza initiated by Hamas-led attacks in southern Israel on October 7. By designating the Houthis as a terrorist organization, Canadian authorities are now able to freeze any assets held by the group in Canada, as well as charge individuals who provide financial or material support to them. Additionally, members of the Houthis are prohibited from entering Canada.

Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc emphasized the importance of aligning Canada with its global allies in the fight against terrorism by adding Ansarallah to the list of terrorist entities. The government’s official statement highlighted the Houthis’ involvement in destabilizing the Middle East through various attacks on civilian and naval vessels, as well as their actions against Israel. The group is closely associated with other designated terrorist organizations in Canada, such as the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Hezbollah.

The United States had previously included the Houthis on their list of designated global terrorist groups in January, prompting further international action against the militant group. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre had also urged the Canadian government to designate the Houthis as a terrorist entity, citing their affiliation with the IRGC and their support for Hamas and Hezbollah.

It is important to note that while members of Ansarallah are commonly referred to as “Houthis,” it is crucial to distinguish the militant movement from the ethnic group in Yemen that shares the same name. The decision to add the Houthis to Canada’s terrorist list reflects the government’s commitment to combating terrorism on a global scale and standing in solidarity with its allies.