A Department of Energy employee was arrested on charges of attempting to provide material support to the Houthi movement in Yemen.
Key facts
- •Ashton Hamed Ellaboudy is a 51-year-old employee of the U.S. Department of Energy.
- •The arrest took place at the Hanford nuclear site in Washington state.
- •The Justice Department alleges the suspect attempted to aid the Houthis, a group backed by Iran.
- •Prosecutors claim the suspect sought to build drones and explosive materials.
- •The suspect is scheduled for a court appearance on October 2.
The FBI arrested 51-year-old Ashton Hamed Ellaboudy, a Department of Energy employee, at the Hanford nuclear site in Washington on Thursday. The Justice Department charged Ellaboudy with attempting to provide material support or resources to the Houthis, a group designated by the U.S. as a foreign terrorist organization.
Allegations of Material Support
According to Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg, Ellaboudy allegedly traveled overseas and utilized his specialized professional expertise to assist the Houthis. Authorities claim the suspect acquired materials intended for the construction of explosive devices and drones capable of delivering those explosives.
Legal Proceedings
Ellaboudy, a resident of Richland, Washington, is currently in custody. He is scheduled to make an initial appearance before a federal judge in Washington on October 2.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by The Hill, Middle East Eye.
