The Australian Government announced on Friday, May 24, 2024, that it has designated Yemen’s Ansar Allah, also known as the Houthis, as a terrorist organization under its Criminal Code Act 1995. This decision marks a significant stance against the group, which is backed by Iran and often referred to as a proxy force.
Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus stated in a media release that Ansar Allah’s violent activities in the Gulf of Aden and surrounding regions have resulted in civilian casualties, hostage-taking, and severe disruptions to maritime navigation. These actions, according to Dreyfus, undermine both maritime security and global prosperity.
“The Government’s decision to list Ansar Allah follows advice from Australia’s security agencies that Ansar Allah is directly or indirectly engaged in the preparing, planning, assisting in, or fostering of terrorist attacks,” Dreyfus said. “Listing as a terrorist organization under the Criminal Code supports the prosecution of a range of terrorism offences and puts the community on notice that it is a criminal offence to assist that organization.”
Under Division 102 of the Criminal Code of Australia, being a member of, associating with, participating in, training with, or providing support to a terrorist organization is punishable by up to 25 years imprisonment. The addition of Ansar Allah brings the total number of listed terrorist organizations under Australian law to 30.
This decision follows a recent incident reported by the UK Maritime Trade Operations, which noted an attack on a vessel near the Yemeni port of Hudaydah in the Red Sea. Additionally, since October last year, the Houthis have launched multiple attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea, allegedly targeting Israeli vessels following the war in Gaza.
The United States reinstated the Houthis on its list of terrorist organizations in January, a reversal from their removal in February 2021 by the Biden administration.
The Arab League has also condemned the Houthi attacks on ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, highlighting the broader international concern over the group’s activities.
