US sanctions 2 Indians for 'ties' to Houthis transporting Iranian oil

WASHINGTON: The US has sanctioned 18 companies and individuals, including two Indians, for their alleged ties to a Houthi network transporting Iranian oil, revenue from which enables Houthi attacks on Israel and disrupting shipping in the Red Sea region.

The treasury department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned the companies for their ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Quds Force-backed Houthi financial official Sa'id al-Jamal and his network, a press release said on Thursday.

The 18 companies sanctioned include Marshall Islands-registered Changtai Shipping and Motionavigations Limited and UAE-based Indo Gulf Ship Management. The two Indians sanctioned are linked to the Indo Gulf Ship Management, according to the treasury department.