US Sanctions Houthi-Linked Oil Smuggling Network Operating Between Yemen and UAE
The action, announced by the Treasury Department on July 22, targets two individuals and five entities operating across Yemen and the United Arab Emirates.
Among those designated is Muhammad Al-Sunaydar, a prominent Yemeni businessman who manages Arkan Mars Petroleum Company, which allegedly coordinated the delivery of $12 million worth of Iranian petroleum products to Houthi-controlled ports in Hudaydah and Ras Isa. The network also includes UAE-based affiliates—Arkan Mars Petroleum DMCC and Arkan Mars Petroleum FZE—linked to the same smuggling operations.
Other entities sanctioned include:
- Al-Saida Stone for Trading and Agencies, suspected of laundering funds through coal imports.
- Amran Cement Factory, reportedly used to fortify Houthi military infrastructure in Saada.
The Treasury stated that these actors 'enable the Houthis' access to the international financial system' and generate hundreds of millions of dollars annually through illicit petroleum imports and taxation schemes.
The sanctions were issued under Executive Order 13224, which targets entities supporting terrorism. All assets of the designated individuals and companies within U.S. jurisdiction are now frozen, and American citizens are prohibited from conducting business with them.
This move follows a series of U.S. actions aimed at disrupting Houthi revenue streams and weapons procurement networks, as the group continues its missile and drone attacks on Israel and commercial shipping in the Red Sea.
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