“Secretary Blinken is clear that he needs to assess Ansarallah’s instructions quickly, given the profound implications for the people of Yemen, home to the world’s worst humanitarian disaster,” a State Department official said in a statement. used another name for the Houthi’s.
‘After a comprehensive investigation, we can confirm that the Secretary intends to recall the foreign terrorist organization and specially designated global terrorist nominations of Ansarallah. We have formally notified Congress of the Secretary’s intention to revoke these designations and will share more details in the coming days. ”
Humanitarian leaders have warned that the terror order makes it very difficult for them to carry out emergency relief work in Yemen amid a years-long war between Saudi-led forces and the Iran-backed Houthis. Aid workers say the country could venture a move toward widespread famine.
Because the Houthis control a significant amount of territory, aid programs often have to engage with the rebels to transfer food, medicine, and other essential items to needy citizens. If the Houthis are branded as terrorists, aid workers run the risk of violating U.S. laws and criminal penalties by dealing with them.
Martin Griffiths, the United Nations special envoy for Yemen, told the UN Security Council last month that he was concerned that the designation would make it more difficult for him to bring the parties together for talks to end the conflict.
At the takeover at Foggy Bottom, Blinken made it clear that the investigation into the name was one of his most pressing priorities.
“It is of the utmost importance, even in the midst of this crisis, that we do everything in our power to provide humanitarian aid to the people of Yemen in dire need,” he said on January 27, his first full day on the work. “And what we want to ensure is that any steps we take do not get in the way of helping.”
On Thursday, Biden announced that the United States would end military support for the offensive operations by the Saudi-led party in the Yemeni conflict. He also named a veteran U.S. diplomat, Tim Lenderking, as the U.S. envoy to the conflict, promising to double diplomacy to end the war.
The U.S. military will continue to exchange intelligence related to the defense of Saudi Arabia, and support the fight against terrorism against the Islamic State and Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said Friday. said. However, it will end the part of intelligence associated with offensive operations and training activities to reduce civilian casualties, he said.
The conflict in Yemen is in many ways a proxy struggle between Saudi Arabia, an American partner, and Iran, an American opponent. The Houthi have ousted the Yemeni government since 2014.
The Saudis, who see the takeover as a rival Iran on their doorstep, have formed a coalition to fight back. But what many had hoped would be a relatively short war lingered, inflicting severe damage on the civilian population thanks to violent acts on both sides.
The government official stressed that the recall of the name was in no way a reflection of the American view of the Houthis “and their reprehensible behavior, including attacks on civilians and the kidnapping of American citizens.”
“We are committed to helping Saudi Arabia defend its territory against further attacks,” the official said. “Our actions are entirely due to the humanitarian consequences of the previous government’s last – minute appointment.”
Among those cheering for the recall was Democratic Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut, who was a major critic of Saudi Arabia.
“The reversal of the designation is an important decision that will save lives and, along with the appointment of a special envoy, offer hope that President Biden is committed to bringing the war to an end,” Murphy said.
Blinken’s decision on Friday could give hawkish Republicans – including Pompeo, who is watching the future political office – to criticize the new government. At the same time, some prominent Republicans are aware of the humanitarian problems.
After Pompeo announced the designation of terrorism in January, the leading Republicans in the House and Senate Foreign Affairs Committees insisted that it be accompanied by adequate measures to mitigate the consequences for suffering citizens.
“This designation will have a devastating effect on Yemen’s food supplies and other critical imports unless the executive acts now to issue the necessary licenses, waivers and appropriate guidance prior to the designation,” said Mike McCaul of Texas and Senator Jim Risch of Idaho said. said in a statement. “Good intentions should not be obscured by significant unintended consequences.”
The Trump administration saw Iran as a major threat to US interests in the Middle East and beyond, and Pompeo was particularly keen to punish the Islamic regime in Tehran. In his last weeks as the chief US diplomat, Pompeo imposed new sanctions against Iran; the Houthi designation was considered part of the effort.
Pompeo has promised that the U.S. will work with humanitarian organizations to find ways to grant exemptions and special licenses to continue their work. This did not reassure aid groups who said that the designation of terrorism was clearly rushed and that there was no clarity about the rules.
The designation went into effect on January 19, the day before Biden was inaugurated.
Lara Seligman contributed to this report.