On February 16, 2024, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control issued a new general license and published new guidance to ensure the provision of humanitarian-related aid to Yemen. These actions were intended to address the U.S. Department of State’s designation of Ansarallah, commonly known as the Houthis, that was announced on January 17, 2024 and became effective on February 16, 2024.
OFAC issued General License 28 pursuant to Global Terrorism Sanctions Regulations (“GTSR”), 31 CFR part 594, to authorize transactions for third-country diplomatic and consular missions involving Ansarallah. OFAC reported that new guidance was issued in response to questions received from the general public and non-governmental organizations (“NGOs”) on how to balance the provision of humanitarian assistance to the Yemeni people with efforts to comply with OFAC sanctions. OFAC issued the guidance note to reiterate that US sanctions were never intended to hinder legitimate assistance and trade with Yemen and for the benefit of the Yemeni people, including the shipment and delivery of food and critical supplies to ports and airports in Houthi-controlled areas. The guidance note also provides an overview of prohibitions and authorizations under the GTSR; contains a list and description of general licenses that authorize transactions involving Ansarallah; and provides answers to specific questions related to the provision of humanitarian aid to Yemen.
General License 28 | Guidance for the Provision of Humanitarian-Related Assistance and Critical Commodities to the Yemeni People