FBI Arrests Energy Department Employee on Charge of Trying to Support Iran-Backed Houthis in Yemen
The FBI says Ashton Hamed Ellaboudy bought materials for homemade explosives and drones and sought to help the Houthis improve communications.
- On Thursday, federal authorities arrested Ashton Hamed Ellaboudy, a 51-year-old Energy Department electrical engineer from Richland, Washington, on charges of providing material support to the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels.
- The FBI began investigating Ellaboudy after learning he purchased precursor chemicals and materials often used for homemade explosive devices between November 2024 and February 2025.
- During the investigation, Ellaboudy communicated with FBI informants and provided electrical engineering expertise for solar power and communications equipment allegedly intended for Yemen.
- Ellaboudy faces charges of supporting a designated foreign terrorist organization and could receive up to 20 years in prison if convicted, according to the Justice Department.
- The Iran-backed Houthi rebels have controlled Sanaa, Yemen since 2014, with the country now embroiled in renewed conflict between the Houthis and Saudi-backed government forces that has killed hundreds.
16 Articles
16 Articles
The Toronto Star
FBI arrests Energy Department employee on charge of trying to support Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen
WASHINGTON (AP) — A Department of Energy electrical engineer has been arrested on charges of providing support to the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels, including by buying materials for homemade explosives and
DOE Employee Arrested In Alleged Houthi Terror Plot Involving Drones And Explosives – 100PercentFedUp.com – by Donald
A Department of Energy employee is accused of trying to aid Iran-backed Houthi terrorists with drone components, explosive materials and technical expertise.
Watauga Democrat
Richland DOE employee arrested on charges of attempting to support Houthis
(The Center Square) - A 51-year-old Department of Energy employee from Richland, Wash., was arrested Thursday and charged with attempting to provide material support and resources to the Houthis, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
BREAKING: Department of Energy employee arrested in Washington for allegedly trying to aid Iran-backed Houthis
"Ellaboudy acquired materials for the construction of explosive material and drones capable of delivering these explosives. These allegations are so deeply disturbing that they almost defy imagination.”
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