U.S. Sanctions Russian Network Supporting Yemen’s Houthis
The United States has imposed sanctions on a Russia-based network aiding Yemen’s Houthis in procuring weapons and stolen Ukrainian grain. The actions focus on key operatives Hushang and Sohrab Ghairat, who facilitated transactions for senior Houthi official Sa’id Al-Jamal. This move aims to reduce the Houthis’ capacity for destabilization in the region, as highlighted by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
On a recent Wednesday, the United States enacted sanctions targeting a network of individuals and entities based in Russia, which have been instrumental in facilitating the procurement of weapons and other essential commodities, including stolen Ukrainian grain, for the Iran-supported Houthi movement in Yemen. This action was announced by the U.S. Treasury Department.
Key figures involved in this network include Hushang Ghairat and his brother Sohrab Ghairat, both Afghan businessmen residing in Russia. They provided crucial support to Sa’id Al-Jamal, a senior official of the Houthi group, in acquiring millions of dollars worth of items from Russia intended for shipment to areas under Houthi control in Yemen.
The sanctioned goods not only encompass military weapons and sensitive materials but also involve illicitly obtained Ukrainian grain, as per the Treasury’s statement. In light of this situation, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized the Houthis’ dependency on Al-Jamal’s network for securing vital supplies, stating, “Today’s action underscores our commitment to degrading the Houthis’ ability to threaten the region through their destabilizing activities.”
The recent U.S. sanctions against a Russia-based network underline a significant effort to disrupt the flow of weapons and essential supplies to Yemen’s Houthis, thereby addressing a destabilizing force in the region. By targeting key individuals involved in this procurement process, the United States aims to limit the Houthis’ capacity to sustain their operations funded through illicit activities.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
