The United States has announced sanctions on individuals and companies involved in an illicit financial network that facilitates weapon and commodity procurement for the Iran-backed Houthi group. The U.S. government sanctioned financial facilitators, procurement operatives, and businesses that have played a key role in supplying the Houthis with resources.

Sanctioned Network Linked to Russian Commodities and Stolen Ukrainian Grain

According to the U.S. Department of State, the sanctioned network, in coordination with Houthi financier Sa’id al-Jamal, has been responsible for acquiring millions of dollars worth of goods from Russia. These include weapons, dual-use materials, and stolen Ukrainian grain, which were transported to Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen.

Among those sanctioned are two Afghan brothers based in Russia who assisted al-Jamal in coordinating shipments of stolen Ukrainian grain from Crimea to Yemen. The move highlights the extensive network that enables the Houthis to secure financial and material support through illegal means.

Crackdown on Digital Asset Wallets Used for Houthi Transactions

In addition to targeting key figures and companies, the U.S. also identified eight digital asset wallets used by the Houthis to transfer funds linked to their activities. These wallets facilitated financial transactions that supported the group's illicit operations.

U.S. Commitment to Countering Houthi Threats

The United States remains committed to disrupting the Houthis’ ability to procure weapons, materials, and stolen goods that fuel their operations. The sanctions aim to weaken the group’s financial and logistical capabilities, reducing their ability to launch attacks on U.S. service members and naval assets, as well as threaten the security of the United States and its allies.

This action underscores Washington’s ongoing efforts to curtail the influence of Iran-backed militant groups and their global financial networks.