U.S. Embassy in Yemen Reveals Houthi Financing Network Through Sanctioned Companies & Intermediaries
According to the embassy, multiple Yemen-based entities have been actively involved in purchasing weapons components and smuggling petroleum products through Houthi-controlled ports such as Hodeidah, Ras Isa, and Salif.
These operations reportedly generate millions of dollars monthly, fueling the group's armed capabilities and expanding its political footprint.
Entities Sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury :
- Black Diamond Petroleum Derivatives
- Yahya Al-Asili Import Ltd.
- Royal Plus Maritime and Commercial Agencies
- Star Plus Yemen
- Yemen Elaf for Petroleum Imports
- Tamco Petroleum Products
- Zahraa Trading & Agencies
- Abbot Trading Ltd.
- Gasoline Aman Co.
In addition to corporate sanctions, the U.S. has blacklisted two vessels and their owners for unloading petroleum products in violation of licensing restrictions.
'The evidence is clear, and our sanctions are targeted,' the embassy stated, reinforcing Washington's commitment to disrupting financial lifelines that enable the Houthis' military actions. The group was officially designated as a Global Terrorist Organization in March 2025, expanding the scope of punitive measures available under U.S. law.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yemen Online
6 hours ago
- Yemen Online
UN Renews Call for De-escalation Between Israel & Houthis Amid Rising Tensions in Yemen
The United Nations has once again urged all parties to exercise restraint and avoid further escalation following renewed hostilities between Israeli forces and Yemen's Houthi movement. The appeal comes in the wake of Israeli airstrikes targeting Sana'a International Airport and key Red Sea ports, and retaliatory missile launches by the Houthis aimed at Israeli territory. UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric condemned attacks on civilian infrastructure, stating that strikes on airports and ports 'deprive Yemenis of vital access to medical care, education, and religious travel,' especially as thousands prepare for the Hajj pilgrimage. He emphasized that both sides must uphold international humanitarian law and protect civilian lives and facilities. The UN Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, recently concluded meetings in Muscat with regional officials and Houthi representatives, stressing the need to translate ceasefire agreements into lasting peace. He also called for the immediate release of UN and NGO personnel arbitrarily detained by Houthi authorities, warning that such actions undermine humanitarian operations across Yemen. Security Council members echoed the UN's concerns, with several delegations condemning Houthi attacks on commercial shipping and Israeli airstrikes on civilian targets. The Council urged both parties to return to dialogue and avoid dragging Yemen deeper into regional conflicts. The UN continues to advocate for a comprehensive political solution to the Yemeni crisis, warning that 'every day without progress prolongs the suffering of millions' amid rising food insecurity and deteriorating public services.
Yemen Online
6 hours ago
- Yemen Online
US Sanctions Houthi-Linked Oil Smuggling Network Operating Between Yemen and UAE
The United States has imposed fresh sanctions on a petroleum smuggling and money laundering network accused of financially supporting Yemen's Houthis. 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.
Yemen Online
6 hours ago
- Yemen Online
Israel Builds New Target Bank in Yemen Amid Rising Tensions with Houthis
Israeli military sources have confirmed that Israel is actively constructing a new target bank in Yemen, aimed at identifying and striking strategic assets linked to the Houthis. The move comes in response to escalating missile and drone attacks launched from Houthi-controlled territories toward Israeli cities and infrastructure since the outbreak of the Gaza war. According to a senior Israeli defense official quoted by Sky News Arabia, the target bank includes missile launch platforms, drone facilities, logistics hubs, and Red Sea ports allegedly used for arms smuggling. The official emphasized that Israel is prepared to deliver 'painful strikes' and has already demonstrated its reach in previous operations against Iranian-linked sites. Recent Israeli drone strikes on Hodeida Port reportedly targeted fuel depots, heavy machinery, and tugboats, with the aim of preventing reconstruction and disrupting Houthi supply chains. The drones were launched from Israeli bases to minimize risks to pilots during long-range missions. Despite the intensifying campaign, Israeli officials ruled out replicating the 'Hezbollah model' in Yemen, citing limited intelligence and geographic distance as major constraints. 'We're not looking to engage in a prolonged ground strategy,' the source said, 'but we will continue to degrade their capabilities.' The Houthis, for their part, have vowed to continue their attacks in solidarity with Gaza, claiming responsibility for dozens of missile launches toward Israeli territory. The UN has expressed concern over the widening scope of the conflict and its impact on regional stability.
