The US unveils largest sanctions action against Houthis

“The networks targeted today are part of the Houthis’ global illicit fundraising, smuggling and weapons procurement operations, and include Houthi-associated companies, their owners, and other key Houthi operatives located in Yemen, China, the United Arab Emirates and the Marshall Islands,” the US Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) said in a statement.

One focus of the action is the Houthi-linked maritime network. UAE-based Tyba Ship Management DMCC (Tyba), owned by businessman Muhammad Al-Sunaydar, was designated for its ties to the group. According to OFAC, Al-Sunaydar, sanctioned by the Treasury on 22 July 2025, co-ordinated vessel management and accounting with Arkan Mars Petroleum DMCC, a Houthi-affiliated entity.

Tyba operates four tankers – Star MM (1999-built), Nobel M (2002), Black Rock (1998) and Shria (1999) – with the first two accused of discharging oil for Arkan Mars Petroleum at the Houthi-controlled port of Ras Isa.

OFAC also sanctioned several shipping and logistics companies accused of transporting “military-grade components from commercial suppliers to Houthi forces in Yemen.” These include China-based Guangzhou Yakai International Freight Forwarding, Guangzhou Nahari Trading and Al-Hammadi Trading, Shipping, and Clearance.

In addition, the sanctions extend to commercial suppliers of dual-use components and military-grade materials, along with a network of front companies alleged to facilitate procurement, transactions and shipments.

“The Houthis continue to threaten US personnel and assets in the Red Sea, attack our allies in the region, and undermine international maritime security in co-ordination with the Iranian regime,” said Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, John K Hurley. “We will continue applying maximum pressure against those who threaten the security of the United States and the region.”