The US has put Houthi rebels back on a list of terrorist organizations following the Yemen-based group's attack on another US-operated vessel in the Red Sea region.

According to Reuters, US officials on Wednesday said naming the Houthi movement as a "specially designated global terrorist" was aimed at cutting off their funding and supply of weapons used to attack or hijack ships.

The Biden administration had taken the Houthi rebels off two lists that designated them as terrorists in 2021, reversing a decision by the Trump administration.

US Military Conducts Fresh Strikes Against Houthis in Yemen

The US military on Wednesday said it conducted another wave of ship- and submarine-launch missile strikes against Houthi-controlled sites in Yemen after the rebels made a "direct hit" on the US Genco Picardy bulk carrier.

In confirming the attack, Genco noted that a projectile hit its vessel while passing through the Gulf of Aden with a cargo of phosphate rock. The shipping firm also said there were no injuries to the crew, and the vessel suffered minor damage to its gangway.

The ship is reportedly now on a course out of the area. The Houthi movement on Wednesday admitted that the group attacked the US cargo ship using missiles that made a "direct hit." Hours later, the US military launched strikes on 14 Houthi missiles that the forces deemed an "imminent threat." 

"Forces conducted strikes on 14 Iran-backed Houthi missiles that were loaded to be fired in Houthi controlled areas in Yemen," the US Central Command said in a statement.

"These missiles on launch rails presented an imminent threat to merchant vessels and US Navy ships in the region and could have been fired at any time, prompting US forces to exercise their inherent right and obligation to defend themselves," it added.

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Houthi Rebels in Yemen Attacked US-Owned And Operated 'Gibraltar Eagle' Ship

On Monday, the US-owned and operated container ship M/V Gibraltar Eagle was struck in Yemeni waters by a missile launched by Houthi rebels. Luckily, the Central Command noted that the vessel did not incur significant damage and continued its journey. 

Houthi rebels have started attacking commercial vessels in the Red Sea since November, which affected companies and alarmed major world powers. The Iranian-backed group said these attacks are being carried out to show support for the Palestinian militant group Hamas in its fight against Israel. 

A Houthi spokesman told Reuters that the attacks on commercial ships heading to Israel would continue and the designation of Houthis as terrorists would not affect the group's position.

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