The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has announced its largest sanctions action against Iran-backed Ansarallah, also known as the Houthis, targeting 32 individuals and entities involved in illicit activities. This move aims to disrupt Houthi fundraising, smuggling, and weapons procurement operations that threaten U.S. interests.
On September 11, 2025, OFAC designated a network of individuals and companies linked to the Houthis’ global operations. These networks span across Yemen, China, the UAE, and the Marshall Islands. The sanctions are part of a broader U.S. strategy to counter Iran’s influence in the Middle East by targeting its proxies.
The targeted entities facilitate the Houthis’ acquisition of military-grade materials used in attacks against U.S. forces and allies in the Red Sea region. The Houthis generate significant revenue through smuggling oil and commodities, money laundering, and seizing state assets to finance their weapons supply chain.
Sanctions Impact on Global Operations
The sanctions aim to degrade the Houthis’ ability to acquire weapons and conduct attacks that threaten regional security. By disrupting their smuggling networks, these measures protect global commerce from destabilizing effects while reinforcing U.S. commitment to counterterrorism efforts.
Designated Individuals and Entities
- Salih Dubaysh: Oversees asset confiscation for Houthis.
- Khaled Muhammad Khalil: Manages money laundering operations.
- Ibrahim Mohsen Al Suwaidi: Facilitates financial transactions for Houthis.
- Mohammed Ahmed Al-Dawla: Extracts profits from seized companies.
International Trade Disruptions
- Hubei Chica Industrial Co., Ltd.: Supplies chemical precursors for weapon manufacturing.
- Shenzhen Shengnan Trading Co., Ltd.: Ships dual-use components for UAV production.
- Guangzhou Yakai International Freight Forwarding Co., Ltd.: Facilitates shipments of military-grade materials.
- Yiwu Wan Shun Trading Company Limited: Procures UAV components from China-based suppliers.
“The Houthis continue to threaten U.S. personnel and assets in the Red Sea, attack our allies in the region, and undermine international maritime security in coordination with the Iranian regime,”
said John K. Hurley, Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence.
Additional Reading
In Conclusion
The latest sanctions by OFAC represent a significant step in curbing Houthi activities that threaten regional stability and international trade routes. By targeting key individuals and entities involved in illicit operations, these measures aim to weaken Houthi capabilities while reinforcing U.S.-led efforts against terrorism.
Sources: U.S. Department of the Treasury
Prepared by Ivan Alexander Golden, Founder of THX News™, an independent news organization delivering timely insights from global official sources.
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