US sanctions Russia-based network helping Houthis procure weapons, stolen Ukrainian grain

The US sanctioned a Russia-based network helping Yemen’s Houthis procure weapons and stolen Ukrainian grain, the Treasury Department said on Wednesday.

“Today, the United States is sanctioning financial facilitators, procurement operatives, and companies operating as part of a global illicit finance network supporting the Houthis,” State Department Spokeswoman Tammy Bruce said.

She added that Houthi financier, Sa’id al-Jamal, the network had procured millions of dollars of commodities from Russia, including weapons, dual-use materials, and stolen Ukrainian grain, for shipment to Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen.

Two Russia-based Afghan brothers who helped al-Jamal with the shipments of stolen Ukrainian grain from Crimea to Yemen were among those sanctioned. “The Houthis remain reliant on Sa’id al-Jamal and his network to procure critical goods to supply the group’s terrorist war machine,” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said. “Today’s action underscores our commitment to degrading the Houthis’ ability to threaten the region through their destabilizing activities,” he said.

Eight digital asset wallets used by the Houthis to transfer funds associated with the group’s activities were also designated.

“The United States is committed to eliminating the Iran-backed Houthis’ capabilities and resources to conduct attacks on our servicemembers and naval assets while ending their ability to threaten the security of the United States and our partners,” Bruce said.