US Energy Department Engineer Arrested for Alleged Support to Houthi Rebels

Times of India · world

A US Department of Energy electrical engineer, Ashton Hamed Ellaboudy, has been arrested for allegedly providing material support to Iran-backed Houthi rebels. Prosecutors claim he purchased materials for homemade explosives and drone parts, and travelled to Yemen last September with the stated aim of improving Houthi communications. Ellaboudy allegedly told informants he was trying to establish government-level contacts in Sanaa. His supervisor reportedly had no knowledge of his international travel or any related Energy Department programs. The charges come amid renewed violence in Yemen.