Canada designates Yemen's Houthis as terrorists under new law

On December 2, 2024, Canada officially designated the militant group Ansarallah, commonly known as the Houthis, as a terrorist entity. This designation is part of Canada’s efforts to align itself with allies in combating global terrorism. The Minister of Public Safety, Dominic LeBlanc, stated that the group meets the definition of a terrorist organization under Canadian law. This includes significant actions such as prohibiting Canadians from engaging in transactions with the group, effectively restricting their operations and funding in Canada. Ansarallah has been involved in Yemen's ongoing civil war, having overthrown the legitimate government in 2014 and controlling large territories, including the capital, Sana'a. Their activities have included attacks on civilian and military vessels in the Red Sea, contributing to international concerns about maritime security and regional stability. The United States, United Kingdom, and several other allies have also condemned and taken actions against the Houthis in light of their hostilities. The designation reflects the Canadian government's commitment to countering violent extremism worldwide, aiming to disrupt recruitment and fundraising efforts by terrorist groups. By aligning with allies, Canada hopes to mitigate the risks posed by groups like Ansarallah, which has shown strong ties to Iran and has collaborated with organizations like Hamas and Hezbollah. LeBlanc emphasized that Canada will continue to act against these groups to secure the country's interests and global stability. This development follows earlier calls from opposition leaders in Canada for the government to take a firmer stance against the group. The Conservatives, led by Pierre Poilievre, had previously urged the Liberal government to declare the Houthis terrorists, linking them to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and other extremist movements. The outcome of this designation represents a shift in Canada’s approach to international relations in relation to terrorism and shows a growing acknowledgment of the complex dynamics within the Middle East.