US Energy Department employee charged with aiding Houthis

The US Justice Department announced the arrest of a former government employee, Ashton Ellaboudy, on Thursday. Mr. Ellaboudy, a veteran who previously worked for the Department of Energy in Washington state, is accused of providing material support to the Houthi rebels in Yemen, a designation as a foreign terrorist organization by the US.

According to the Justice Department, Ellaboudy traveled overseas and utilized his specialized skills to aid the Houthis, acquire materials to construct explosives for drone attacks, and enhance the group's communication systems.

Assistant Attorney General John Eisenberg expressed deep concern over these allegations, stating they are "almost defying imagination." The Department of Energy's Hanford Field Office in Washington clarified that Ellaboudy's actions did not aim to harm their facility or personnel.

The FBI became aware of Ellaboudy's activities following their receipt of information about his purchase of chemicals and components commonly used in homemade explosives. In December 2024, Ellaboudy claimed to have fallen ill from exposure to a chemical used in explosive construction. Later, in September 2025, he traveled from Richland, Washington, to Oman using an official passport from his previous employment with the US Army Corps of Engineers.

Upon reaching Oman, Ellaboudy crossed the border into Yemen, heading towards Sanaa, the capital, under Houthi control.

During his time in Yemen, Ellaboudy allegedly communicated with a high-ranking Houthi member, who was actually an FBI source. This communication centered on acquiring and outfitting communication equipment for the group in Yemen. If convicted, Ellaboudy faces a potential 20-year prison sentence.