U.S. imposes new sanctions to block Houthi financing via complex financial networks
The Trump administration issued new sanctions on Friday, January 16, 2026, targeting the financial and smuggling networks of the Houthi group. The measures aim to disrupt the group’s revenue streams, which are estimated to exceed $2 billion annually, and to curb their ability to carry out attacks in the Red Sea.
According to a statement from the U.S. Department of the Treasury, the sanctions targeted 21 individuals and entities, as well as one vessel. These targets are located across Yemen, the UAE, and Oman, and they act as “front companies” and financial conduits between the Iranian government and the Houthis.
The sanctioned network includes:
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Oil and Shipping Companies: Targeted for facilitating the illicit transfer of petroleum products to Houthi-controlled ports.
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Money Exchange Houses: Accused of managing parallel financial flows outside the formal banking system to fund arms purchases.
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Weapons Procurement Networks: Involved in smuggling anti-tank missiles and dual-use military equipment into Yemen.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that the Treasury will use “all tools at its disposal to expose the networks and individuals enabling Houthi terrorism.” The sanctions result in the freezing of all assets belonging to the designated parties within U.S. jurisdiction and prohibit all transactions with them.
United News Network – UNN Arabic
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