Australia has announced the designation of the Houthi militia as a terrorist group based on recommendations from security agencies, citing the group’s role in terrorist operations targeting international maritime navigation in the Red Sea.
In a statement, Australian Attorney General Mark Dreyfus KC said, “The Australian government has listed the Houthis as a terrorist organization under the Criminal Code Act 1995.”
He explained that “the violent attacks carried out by the Houthis in the Gulf of Aden and surrounding areas have led to civilian casualties, hostage-taking, and the disruption of navigation rights and freedoms in the waters around the Arabian Peninsula, thereby undermining maritime security and global prosperity.”
The statement added that the Australian government’s decision to list the Houthis comes following advice from Australian security agencies that the group is directly or indirectly involved in preparing, planning, assisting, or fostering terrorist attacks.
The Attorney General warned against aiding the organization, noting that providing any assistance to them constitutes a criminal offense under Section 102 of the Criminal Code.
