In accordance with section 5(h) of its Guidelines, the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 2140 makes accessible a narrative summary of reasons for the listing for individuals, groups, undertakings and entities included in its sanctions list.
Mansur Al-Sa’adi was listed on 26 September 2022 pursuant to paragraphs 11 and 15 of resolution 2140 (2014), as meeting the designation criteria set out in paragraph 17 of resolution 2140 (2014), including as elaborated by paragraph 19 of resolution 2216 (2015).
Mansur Al-Sa’adi has engaged in acts and provided support for acts that threaten the peace, security and stability of Yemen, including violations of the targeted arms embargo.
Al-Sa’adi is listed for his involvement in and leadership of Houthi naval campaigns that threaten the peace, security, and stability of Yemen, thereby meeting the criteria for designation as laid out in Paragraph 17 of Resolution 2140 (2014). Serving as the Houthi Naval Forces Chief of Staff, Al-Sa’adi masterminded lethal attacks against international shipping vessels in the Red Sea. The Houthi Naval Forces have repeatedly dispersed naval mines, which as highlighted by international human rights organizations, pose a risk to commercial, fishing, and humanitarian aid vessels. Al-Sa’adi has also helped smuggle weapons to Houthis in Yemen in violation of the targeted arms embargo as laid out in paragraph 14 of Resolution 2216 (2015).
Verification of active military role:
- Al-Sharea News (Arabic) - “The Masterminds of the Houthi Attacks” (https://alsharaeanews.com/2021/03/08/54527/) [Accessed on 11/Feb/22]
(“Mansour Al-Saadi and Ahmed Al-Hamzi, two mysterious characters in the Houthi air force and navy, played a pivotal role in the war in Yemen, extending its influence to threatening Saudi lands and security of the Red Sea.”)
(“Al-Saadi hides behind the nickname “Abu Sajjad,” and he is known as the Emir of the Red Sea and is primarily responsible for reshaping of a naval and coastal defense force whose mission is disturbing coalition battleships and blackmailing the international community by threatening shipping lanes.”)
- Yemeni News Agency (SABA) (Arabic) - “Qahim, Al-Mushki and Berry were briefed on the damages of the aggression in the districts of Al-Hodeidah” (https://www.saba.ye/ar/news3174373.htm) [Accessed on 11/Feb/22]
(“They were also briefed, along with members of the national team, Major General Mansour al-Saadi and Major General Muhammad al-Qadri, about the extent of the destruction inflicted on citizens' homes, schools, hospitals and government buildings in the city of al-Durayhimi. Al-Jah district in the Bait Al-Faqih district.”)
- Asharq al-Awsat (English) - “Death of Senior Commanders Leaves Houthis in Disarray” (https://english.aawsat.com/home/article/1246521/death-senior-commanders-leaves-houthis-disarray) [Accessed on 11/Feb/22]
(Article identifies al-Saadi as a “senior leader”, but incorrectly claimed that he had been killed. States that al-Saadi is responsible for overseeing smuggling of weapons across the Yemeni coast.)
- 26 September News (Arabic) - “The Navy Celebrates the Revolution of September 21” (https://www.26sep.net/index.php/newspaper/26topstory/24381-21-8) [Accessed on 11/Feb/22]
(“The event was attended by the Chief of Staff of the Naval Forces Major General Mansour Al Saadi.”)