Aden:Yemen's central bank has ordered banks and exchange companies to freeze the accounts and assets of 135 individuals, entities, and vessels linked to the Houthis, as reported by the government-run SABA news agency.

According to Anadolu Agency – English, the Aden-based bank issued this directive following an order from the country's public prosecutor on October 19. The order aims to designate those listed and freeze their assets due to alleged ties with the Houthi group.

The measures also prohibit financial and commercial dealings with those listed, including opening new bank accounts or conducting transactions on their behalf. Financial institutions have been instructed to identify and report the accounts, assets, and money transfers of those listed to Yemen's financial intelligence and anti-money laundering authorities.

The list includes Houthi political, military, and security officials, businessmen, a company, and five oil tankers identified by Yemeni authorities as smuggling vessels. However, the agency did not disclose the names of those listed.

Earlier, on October 11, Yemen's internationally recognized government approved a draft law designating the Houthis as a 'terrorist organization' and criminalizing the group's activities and financing. The government has called for completing the legal and constitutional procedures necessary to enact this legislation. This decision comes amid escalating hostilities between the Houthis and forces aligned with Yemen's internationally recognized government, backed by the Saudi-led coalition. Yemen has been embroiled in conflict since 2014, following the Houthis' seizure of the capital, Sanaa, and much of the north.