On July 31, 2024, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control designated two individuals and four entities that have had a role in the procurement and transport of dual-use components and equipment for unmanned aerial vehicles (“UAVs”), ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles for Ansarallah, commonly referred to as the Houthis. OFAC reportedly targeted a network of operators located in the People’s Republic of China (“PRC”) and Yemen who have allegedly supported the Houthis’ efforts to procure military-grade materials that will likely be used for Houthi weapons manufacturing or sent to Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen to enable the group’s ongoing attacks.
The sanctions were imposed pursuant to Executive Order 13224, as amended, which targets terrorist groups and their supporters. As a result of these designations, all property and interests in property of the designated persons within the United States or within the possession or control of a U.S. person are blocked, and U.S. persons are generally prohibited from engaging in transactions involving a designated person. Entities owned 50 percent or more by one or more blocked persons are also blocked.