In a move aimed at addressing the escalating attacks by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, the Biden administration is expected to soon announce plans to redesignate the group as specially designated global terrorists. The decision comes as the Houthis continue to launch numerous attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea, causing significant disruptions to global trade.

The Biden administration's decision to reimpose the global terrorist designation comes after Secretary of State Antony Blinken delisted the group in February 2021, in an effort to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to Yemen. However, the recent surge in Houthi attacks has compelled the administration to reconsider this stance.

The Houthi rebels claim that their attacks on ships in the Red Sea are in response to Israel's military operations in Gaza, following Hamas' attack on Israel in October. However, these repeated attacks have raised concerns about the safety of commercial vessels and the impact on the global economy.

The announcement of the redesignation is expected to be made on Wednesday, with the specifics of the decision yet to be revealed. Unlike the previous foreign terrorist organization designation, the global terrorist label does not come with sanctions for providing "material support" or travel bans. Consequently, it may not impede humanitarian aid efforts to Yemeni civilians.

Addressing the ongoing threat posed by the Houthi rebels, White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan emphasized the need for a collective effort to minimize the impact on the global economy. Yemen's strategic location in the Red Sea, a vital shipping corridor, underscores the urgency of finding a resolution to the conflict.

Since November, the Iran-backed Houthi rebels have launched numerous attacks on vessels in the Red Sea, forcing ships to divert thousands of miles to avoid the dangerous waters. Moreover, Houthi militants have threatened or taken hostage mariners from over 20 countries, further intensifying concerns about maritime security.

The conflict in Yemen began in 2014 when the Houthi rebels seized the capital, Sanaa, and initiated a prolonged war. A Saudi Arabia-led coalition intervened in 2015 to restore Yemen's exiled government to power. Despite numerous ceasefire negotiations, the conflict remains a stalemated proxy war between Saudi Arabia and Iran.

The impact of the conflict on Yemen's population is severe, with approximately 24 million people at risk of hunger and disease, as confirmed by the United Nations. Aid organizations fear that imposing sweeping economic penalties could have dire consequences for the already impoverished Yemeni people. Yemen relies on imports for 90% of its food, and any disruptions to the commercial food supply could worsen the humanitarian crisis.

As the Biden administration takes steps to address the escalating attacks by the Houthi rebels, it is crucial for countries with influence on Tehran and other Middle Eastern capitals to unite in rejecting the notion that a group like the Houthis can cause turmoil on a global scale.

In the face of mounting challenges and the imperative to protect maritime trade, finding a comprehensive resolution to the conflict in Yemen has become paramount. The world will be watching closely as the Biden administration takes necessary actions to address the Houthi threat and mitigate the impact on global stability.