US sanctions 2 Yemeni rebels for cross-border, sea attacks

CAIRO (AP) — The United States has imposed sanctions on two rebel leaders in Yemen. The departments of State and Treasury say Houthi leaders Monsour al-Saadi and Ahmed al-Hamzi are responsible for attacks “impacting Yemeni civilians, bordering nations, and commercial vessels in international waters.” The move comes just weeks after the Biden administration removed the Houthis from a broader terrorism blacklist in a bid to ease civilian suffering in the impoverished war-torn country. Since the reversal of the designation, which was made in the waning days of former President Donald Trump’s administration, the Houthis have stepped up attacks in Yemen and on Saudi Arabia.