The United States expanded sanctions on Monday against Yemen's Houthi rebels, also known as Ansarallah, as tensions rise over attacks on shipping routes in the Red Sea. The Treasury Department published details on its website, announcing the blacklisting of three shipping companies and several vessels associated with the Iran-backed group.

The sanctioned entities include Bagsak Shipping Inc. of Mauritius, Great Success Shipping Co. of Lebanon, and Zaas Shipping & Trading Co. Additionally, vessels registered in Panama, San Marino, and Guyana were also targeted as part of the new measures.

The Biden administration emphasized that these sanctions are aimed at disrupting the Houthis' maritime operations, which have increasingly threatened international trade and regional stability. Officials stated that the targeted companies and ships have been instrumental in facilitating the group's activities, including attacks on commercial vessels.

The move underscores Washington’s broader strategy to pressure the Houthis amid ongoing hostilities and to protect vital global trade routes through the Red Sea. Treasury officials warned that additional actions could follow if attacks continue and if entities continue supporting the Houthi operations.

The sanctions are the latest in a series of efforts by the United States to confront Iran-backed groups destabilizing the Middle East, signaling Washington’s commitment to securing international maritime commerce against further threats.