Thursday, the United States announced a new round of sanctions against Yemen's Houthis. The Trump administration claimed that this was the largest action Washington has taken to date in response to the Iran-aligned organization.

In a press release, the U.S. Treasury Department announced that it had issued sanctions against 32 individuals, entities and four vessels to disrupt Houthi fundraising, smuggling operations and attack activities.

Treasury has targeted several Chinese companies, including those that are involved in the transport of military components. Other companies also have been identified as targets for arranging dual-use products to be sent to the Houthis. Treasury also said that the sanctions target oil smugglers, as well as shipping companies linked to Houthi.

Since late 2023, the Houthis have disrupted trade by launching drones and missiles on ships in the Red Sea. They claim to be targeting Israel-linked vessels out of solidarity with Palestinians in response to Israel's Gaza war.

In May, Donald Trump announced an unexpected U.S. ceasefire with the Houthis. (Reporting and editing by RamiAyyub; Daphne Psaledakis, Susan Heavey)

(source: Reuters)