Aden (South24 Center)

On Thursday, September 11, the U.S. Department of the Treasury announced a new round of sanctions targeting 32 individuals, entities, and four vessels associated with the Houthis.

According to the official statement, the sanctions aim to disrupt transnational networks involved in financing, smuggling, and arms procurement for the Houthis, with operations spanning Yemen, China, the United Arab Emirates, and the Marshall Islands.

Among the designated entities is Shibam Holding, which the Treasury described as a front company used to launder funds and facilitate the group’s military buildup. The firm was reportedly involved in supplying components used in the production of cruise missiles and drones.

Washington reiterated that the Houthis continue to pose a direct threat to international maritime navigation and to U.S. personnel and interests in the Red Sea. It pledged to maintain pressure on the group to prevent further expansion of its military capabilities.

In a related development, Houthi leader Abdul-Malik Al-Houthi escalated his rhetoric on Thursday, claiming that his group had carried out 38 missile and drone attacks over the past two weeks on Israeli targets, including two commercial vessels in the Red Sea. 

On the same day, Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree stated that the attacks had struck military sites in Eilat, the Negev, and Israel’s Ramon Airport.

In response, Israel launched heavy airstrikes on Houthi positions in the capital Sanaa on Wednesday, reportedly killing around 35 people, including several journalists.

A source told ‘South24’ that 26 journalists were killed in the strike that targeted the Moral Guidance Directorate, which houses media offices affiliated with the Houthis. The source added that more victims remain trapped under the rubble.