U.S. Engineer Arrested for Alleged Support of Iranian-Backed Terror Group
Federal law enforcement officials have taken into custody Ashton Ellaboudy, an electrical engineer with the U.S. Department of Energy. He faces charges for allegedly trying to provide material aid to the Houthi terrorist group in Yemen, which is supported by Iran.
Who Are the Houthis?
The Houthis, officially recognized as Ansar Allah, emerged in northwestern Yemen during the 1990s. They were formed under the leadership of Hussein Badreddin al-Houthi to counter the influence of Saudi-backed Sunni factions. The group exploited Yemen’s political instability and captured the capital, Sanaa, in late 2014, displacing the internationally recognized government and gaining control over northern Yemen and its Red Sea coastline.
Seen as a key part of Iran’s “Axis of Resistance,” the Houthis receive military support and financing from Tehran. They adhere to a staunchly anti-Western ideology, famously voicing sentiments like “Death to America, Death to Israel.”
Details of the Arrest
According to a criminal complaint filed in federal court, the FBI apprehended Ellaboudy, who is 51 years old, in Washington State. This action was the result of a collaborative counterterrorism investigation that revealed plans for him to provide technical guidance, solar power designs, and raw materials for creating explosive devices and drones to the designated terrorist organization.
Investigators became aware of Ellaboudy after he purchased precursor chemicals typically used in making improvised explosive devices, such as acetone and sodium bisulfate. Along with these substances, he acquired components for building custom military drones.
During an undercover operation by the FBI’s Inland Northwest Joint Terrorism Task Force, Ellaboudy communicated with individuals he believed were affiliated with the Houthis, including someone he thought was a senior Houthi officer. He shared detailed diagrams and electrical schematics, also advising on how to modify solar power generators and communication systems to enhance the group’s operational abilities.
Furthermore, he had made attempts to travel directly to Sanaa to offer assistance in person but was unable to complete that trip.
The Department of Energy clarified that while Ellaboudy worked at the Hanford Site in Washington State, there was no threat posed to the facility or its employees, maintaining that safety and national security protocols were followed throughout the investigation.
The prosecution is being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington in conjunction with the Justice Department’s National Security Division Counterterrorism Section. Assistant Attorney General John Eisenberg emphasized the seriousness of the allegations. If found guilty of attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, Ellaboudy could face up to 20 years in federal prison.
“As alleged, a U.S. government employee traveled overseas and used his specialized expertise in an attempt to aid the Houthis, a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization backed by Iran,” Eisenberg noted. He also mentioned receiving materials aimed at constructing explosives and drones, highlighting the gravity of the alleged actions.
Assistant Director Jarod Brown from the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division commented on the investigation’s significance, stating that it aligns with the FBI’s mission to prevent terrorism and protect the homeland. He reassured that the agency will utilize all available resources to thwart any individuals plotting terrorist acts.
Ray Geimer, the Office Manager of the Department of Energy Hanford Field Office, acknowledged the investigation’s thoroughness, reiterating that there was no danger posed to the Hanford Site or its staff throughout the ordeal.
