Foreign
US Sanctions Russian Network Aiding Houthi Procurement.
On Wednesday, the United States levied sanctions against individuals and entities based in Russia, accusing them of facilitating the procurement of weapons, commodities, and stolen Ukrainian grain for Yemen’s Houthi rebels.
The Treasury Department identified Hushang Ghairat, an Afghan businessman residing in Russia, and his brother, Sohrab Ghairat, as key operatives in this network. They allegedly assisted senior Houthi official Sa’id al-Jamal in securing millions of dollars’ worth of goods from Russia destined for Houthi-controlled territories.
According to the Treasury, these goods included weapons, sensitive materials, and controversially, stolen Ukrainian grain. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated, “Today’s action underscores our commitment to degrading the Houthis’ ability to threaten the region through their destabilizing activities,” emphasizing the network’s critical role in supplying the Houthi’s military capabilities. This action signals the US’s continued efforts to counter Houthi aggression and disrupt their logistical support lines.