A US Department of Energy employee has been arrested on charges of attempting to support the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, according to the Justice Department. The individual, an electrical engineer, is accused of purchasing materials for homemade explosives and drones, as well as traveling to Yemen. The arrest was announced on Thursday by the Justice Department.
The alleged actions are part of a broader investigation into potential support for the Houthi rebels, which are backed by Iran. The accused is said to have engaged in activities that could aid the rebels, including acquiring components for weapons and visiting conflict zones. The charges highlight the US government's efforts to prevent foreign support for the Houthi group.
The Houthi rebels, based in Yemen, have been involved in an ongoing conflict with the Yemeni government and its allies, including the Saudi-led coalition. The group has been accused of attacks on infrastructure, including power stations, which have disrupted services in the region. The humanitarian situation in Yemen remains dire, with millions in need of aid. The Houthi group has also been criticized for detaining UN staff and NGO workers, contributing to the worsening crisis.
The arrest underscores the international attention on the Houthi group and the potential for external support to fuel the conflict. The situation in Yemen continues to be marked by violence and humanitarian suffering, with the conflict showing no signs of resolution.
