Anthony Albanese’s government is under mounting pressure to list the Houthis as a terrorist organisation after the United States relisted the group amid continuing attacks in the Red Sea.
The Biden administration confirmed on Thursday Australian time it would return the Yemen-based rebels to the list of recognised terrorist groups, in the latest attempt by Washington to stem strikes on international shipping.
The Iranian-backed rebels have repeatedly attacked merchant ships in the crucial trade route that links Asia to Europe, in response to Israel’s bombardment of Gaza.
In a statement from the US National Security Advisor, Jake Sullivan, Washington said the action of the Houthis – which has escalated in the wake of the Israel-Hamas conflict – “fit the textbook definition of terrorism”.
“They have endangered US personnel, civilian mariners, and our partners, jeopardized global trade, and threatened freedom of navigation,” the statement said.
“The United States and the international community have been united in our response, and in condemning these attacks in the strongest terms.”
The Prime Minister was coy on Wednesday – before Washington confirmed the move – on whether Australia would follow such a lead, saying he would follow “proper process” and not engage in “media speculation”.
“We give ongoing consideration to international security issues at all times,” he said.
The Prime Minister has also rebuked criticism that Australia has not done enough to support the US in the Red Sea.
Australia was one of eight nations to support the US and UK air strikes against the Houthis targets, including training bases and drone capabilities in Yemen.
The Australian government has held firm on its decision not to send vessels to the Red Sea, opting instead to triple its personnel in Bahrain.
But the Coalition’s foreign affairs spokesman, James Paterson, said if Australia was going to continue to “meaningful contribute” to the US and United-Kingdom-led operation in the Red Sea, there are “very few tangible options remaining” to penalise the Houthis.
“One option is to prescribe them as a terrorist organisation, as the US has done, and as the opposition called on the Albanese government to do more than a week ago,” he said.
‘There can be no question they are engaged in terrorism against international shipping in the Red Sea, as well as attacks on civilians inside Yemen and across the region.
“The Attorney-General and Home Affairs Minister should do so without delay.”
A government spokesperson said they would not comment on whether or not such a move was being considered – although it is understood intelligence agencies are conducting such a review.
“Australia has already imposed targeted sanctions on the Houthis,” they said.
“The Albanese government takes advice from security agencies about the listing of terrorist organisations.
“It is the government’s longstanding practice not to comment on whether or not an organisation is being, or has been, considered for listing under any sanctions framework or the Criminal Code.”
It comes as the Houthis claim they have launched anti-ship ballistic missiles towards US navy vessels in the Red Sea, after the US conducted another round of strikes against the rebel group’s targets in Yemen.