The United States Department of the Treasury often utilizes sanctions to protect the country’s interests and to prevent its enemies from getting financial support or military aid. Just recently, the department committed to one of the largest sanction packages ever launched.

In this recent package, 32 individuals and four shipping vessels have been identified as sanctioned due to being involved in destructive Houthi maritime activities. 

Some of the allegations against the newly sanctioned entities and individuals include fundraising for the Houthis, procuring weapons for the group, and executing direct attacks on commercial shipping vessels in the Red Sea. Recent Houthi attacks in the Red Sea have resulted in civilian deaths. They’ve also reportedly threatened the U.S. economy and global commerce.

The main reason for this recent wave of sanctions is that the Houthis continue to remain a significant threat to America’s assets and personnel in the Red Sea area. The Houthis have repeatedly initiated attacks on not only American assets and ships but also on several of America’s allies. The Houthis’ actions, according to the U.S. Department of the Treasury, have undermined international maritime security. The Houthis have also acted in coordination with the Iranian regime to undermine U.S. efforts in the area.

These sanctions name shipping facilitators who have been accused of helping the Houthis gain access to military-grade materials. These dangerous weapons include things like cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, and unmanned aerial vehicle components. All of these components have been directly used to attack U.S. forces and their allies.

Here are the vessels being sanctioned in this recent package:

  • STAR MM
  • NOBEL M
  • BLACK ROCK
  • SHRIA

In addition to these vessels, Guangzhou Takai International Freight Forwarding Co. is also being sanctioned for facilitating shipments of military grade materials and components that the Houthis have used to develop weapons. A brother company, Guangzhou Nahari Trading Co., has also been sanctioned for concealing items in shipments that were destined to arrive in Houthi controlled areas of Yemen.

Hubei Chica Industrial Co., another Chinese company, is being sanctioned for allegedly coordinating with Houthi operatives to supply chemical precursors that would likely be used to manufacture ballistic missiles. The concealment also involved falsifying shipping documents to avoid China’s export controls.

All of these recent sanctions fall in line with the U.S. Department of State’s designation of Ansarallah (the Houthis) as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist under Executive Order 13224. In March of 2025, the Houthis were further designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization.

Does Your Business Operate Internationally?

If your business operates internationally, then it’s critical that you understand and adhere to OFAC sanctions. If you do business with a sanctioned entity, then you’ll face serious consequences. Violations can result in civil penalties that could exceed $1M per incident. Willful violations could result in criminal consequences, including fines of up to $20M and imprisonment for up to 30 years.

If you suspect you may have violated sanctions, then get in touch with a global attorney ASAP. You can schedule a free case review with our team now by leaving your contact details on our online form.