US President Donald Trump signed an executive order to initiate the process of designating the Yemeni movement Ansar Allah (Houthis) as a foreign terrorist organization. This is stated in a document published by the White House.

"The Houthis' actions threaten the safety of American civilians and personnel in the Middle East, the security of our closest regional partners, and the stability of global maritime commerce," the document says.

The President instructed the US Secretary of State to submit a report through the National Security Council within 30 days on the inclusion of Ansar Allah on the list of foreign terrorist organizations, and to take all necessary actions within 15 days of the submission of the report to designate the organization as a terrorist one.

The US intends to work with regional partners to deprive the group of the resources it needs to carry out attacks and to stop their actions against American citizens, partners, and shipping in the Red Sea.

In this regard, the order directs the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the State Department to review and sever ties with partner organizations and contractors that may be involved in funding the Houthis or have interfered with international efforts to combat the group.