"The issue here is that if they are defined as a terrorist organization, that has many consequences," said one Western diplomat in the Gulf who oversees Yemen. If the US goes ahead with the move they must issue "clear and unambiguous exemptions" that will allow aid workers to operate without fear of legal repercussions, he said. "If he designates Ansar Allah as a terrorist organization, then this would be coming from an unqualified person who is going totally insane," he told AFP. An aid worker said a travel advisory warning American staff to consider relocating to the south or leave the country had caused disquiet. "We are concerned about what this means for safety and security for us as aid workers, and the potential backlash."

Source: Dhaka Tribune November 20, 2020 03:56 UTC