On Wednesday, October 2, 2024, the U.S. administration announced new sanctions against a leader of the Houthi group and four companies accused of facilitating arms purchases, smuggling, and generating illicit funds for the group.

According to a statement from the U.S. Department of the Treasury, the sanctions specifically target Houthi leader Hassan Ahmed Hassan Mohammed Al-Kahlani, who resides in Iran. The U.S. accuses him of facilitating the Houthis' arms smuggling efforts and coordinating the concealment and transfer of lethal Iranian aid to the group.

Among the companies sanctioned is Shenzhen Jinghon Electronics Limited, based in China. The U.S. Treasury stated that the Houthis obtained dual-use components worth tens of thousands of dollars from this company, which were used to enhance their domestic missile and drone production capabilities.

The sanctions also mention the shipping vessel Izumo (IMO: 9249324), currently flying the Gabonese flag, which transported petroleum products on behalf of a front company for the Iranian Armed Forces General Staff (AFGS), specifically Sepehr Energy Jahan Nama Pars, which is under sanctions.

Additionally, the Izumo ship delivered petroleum products for the financial network of the sanctioned Houthi financier, Said Al-Jamal. This network is reported to have provided “tens of millions of dollars from illegal oil sales to support funding for Houthi attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea.”

Matthew Miller, spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, reaffirmed the commitment to target those who "support the Houthis' attempts to destabilize the Middle East and harm civilian sailors."

In mid-August, the U.S. Treasury announced similar sanctions against commercial networks linked to the Houthis and Hezbollah, as part of efforts to increase pressure on Iran and its affiliates.

The Treasury clarified that the sanctions targeted companies, individuals, and vessels involved in shipping Iranian goods, including oil and liquefied gas, to Yemen and the UAE on behalf of a network connected to a Houthi financial official.

In July, the U.S. had already implemented sanctions under the "Counterterrorism" initiative against individuals and entities linked to Houthi financier Said Al-Jamal.

Furthermore, on June 18, the U.S. administration announced sanctions against a network of individuals and entities accused of facilitating arms purchases for the Houthis in Yemen, who are targeting civilian vessels in the Red Sea.