FBI arrests Energy Department employee accused of attempting to support Houthis

The US Justice Department announced the arrest of Ashton Ellaboudy, a former Department of Energy employee, on Thursday. According to prosecutors, Ellaboudy is accused of providing support to the Houthi rebels in Yemen, a group designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the US.

Ellaboudy, who lived in Washington state, was taken into custody and is set to appear in court on Friday. The allegations against him include traveling overseas to assist the Houthis by using his specialized expertise, acquiring materials to build explosives for attaching to attack drones, and aiding the group in improving its communications.

Assistant Attorney General John Eisenberg described the allegations as "deeply disturbing," emphasizing that Ellaboudy's activities did not aim to harm the Hanford Field Office in Washington. The Department of Energy stated that Ellaboudy's alleged actions did not target their site or workforce.

The FBI learned of Ellaboudy's activities after receiving information about his purchase of precursor chemicals, components, and other materials used in homemade explosive devices in December 2024. In September 2025, Ellaboudy traveled from Richland, Washington, to Oman using a passport previously issued when he worked for the US Army Corps of Engineers. Once in Oman, he crossed the border into Yemen, aiming to reach Sanaa, the capital, which is under Houthi control.

During his time in Yemen, Ellaboudy allegedly communicated with a high-ranking Houthi member who was actually an FBI source. They discussed acquiring and fitting out communications equipment for the group. If convicted, Ellaboudy could face up to 20 years in prison.