From the Liveblog of
Friday, January 12, 2024
Biden says Houthis a terror group, two months into review of whether to reapply label
Jacob Magid is The Times of Israel's US bureau chief
US President Joe Biden says he thinks the Houthi rebels in Yemen are a terror group in what could mark a shift in the administration’s approach to the Iran-backed fighters who have been disrupting Red Sea shipping routes for weeks.
While in a Pennsylvania bookstore, Biden is asked by the traveling press pool whether he thinks the Houthis are a terror group. “I think they are,” he said.
During his first year in office, Biden removed the Houthis’ terror listing amid pressure from progressives who argued that it was harming efforts to deliver humanitarian aid in Yemen.
The administration said it decided to review that decision in November against the backdrop of repeated attacks by Houthis on international vessels in the Red Sea.
No update has been offered since then, but Biden’s response indicates that the administration might be leaning toward slapping the terror label back on the Houthis. It comes hours after the US led airstrikes against Houthi targets in Yemen for the first time in years.
Reporter: “The bombing of the Houthis — if the attacks don't stop, will you continue with the strikes?”
President Biden: “We will make sure that we respond to the Houthis as they continue this outrageous behavior, along with our allies.” pic.twitter.com/xJoXA6fcdL
— The Recount (@therecount) January 12, 2024
With a smoothie in hand from a nearby cafe, Biden is asked whether he has a message to Iran.
“I’ve already delivered the message to Iran.”
Asked whether he’s willing to continue bombing the Houthis if the attacks don’t stop, Biden responds, “We will make sure we respond to the Houthis if they continue this outrageous behavior.”
