US imposes sanctions on 6 entities aiding arms purchases for Houthi militants.

The U.S. Department of the Treasury announced today that it has imposed sanctions on two individuals and four companies for facilitating the procurement of arms for the Houthi militias, which are supported by the Iranian regime and categorized as a terrorist organization.

Brian E. Nelson, the Treasury’s Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, stated in a press release, “The Houthis have sought to exploit major jurisdictions such as the People’s Republic of China and Hong Kong to acquire critical components for their lethal weapons systems and transfer them.” Nelson added, “The Treasury will continue to target facilitators who enable the Houthis’ destabilizing activities.”

According to the press release, the sanctions target key actors located in the People’s Republic of China, including Hong Kong and Yemen, who have directly supported the Houthis’ efforts to purchase military materials from abroad and ship these elements to Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen, enabling the group to launch ongoing attacks.

The sanctions include Maher Yahya Mohammed Mutahar Al-Kinani, his company (Wai Tech), Ahmed Khaled Yahya Al-Shahari, and his three companies (Al-Shahari United, Guangzhou Al-Shahari United, and Hong Kong Al-Shahari) with headquarters in Yemen and China. These entities facilitated numerous shipments from suppliers in the People’s Republic of China to the Houthis, including components used in the manufacturing of rockets and Houthi drones.

The statement highlighted that Al-Shahari United maintained close contact with Houthi clients in the People’s Republic of China and Yemen, who used the company to facilitate some of their most significant procurement efforts. “Al-Kinani coordinated with other agents for Houthi purchases to facilitate the shipment of equipment and dual-use components potentially used in manufacturing Houthi weapons,” the statement said.

Additionally, Al-Shahari United was designated under Executive Order 13224, as amended, for materially assisting, sponsoring, or providing financial, material, technological support, goods, or services to the Houthi militias or supporting them.

The statement also noted that since November 2023, the Houthi militias have deployed a range of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles, continuing their reckless campaign targeting commercial shipping, as well as U.S. and allied interests.

The U.S. State Department has designated the Houthi militias as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) organization under Executive Order 13224, as amended, effective from February 16, 2024.

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