A Department of Energy electrical engineer has been arrested on charges of attempting to provide material support to the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, the US Department of Justice announced Thursday.
Ashton Hamed Ellaboudy, 51, of Richland, Washington, was taken into custody and is scheduled to appear in federal court Friday. The charges allege he purchased precursor chemicals for homemade explosives, drone components, and traveled to Yemen with the stated intent of aiding Houthi communications infrastructure.
Federal investigators say Ellaboudy’s alleged actions included:
- Buying acetone, sodium bisulphate, and other explosive precursors in the months leading up to his travel.
- Acquiring drone parts and components for remotely operated aerial systems, according to court records.
- Traveling from Richland, Washington, to Oman in September 2025, then crossing into Yemen using an official passport from his prior employment with the US Army Corps of Engineers.
- Claiming to FBI informants that he was smuggled into and out of Yemen during the trip.
- Asserting to US Customs and Border Protection officers upon return that his travel was part of an official government mission, a claim his DOE supervisor later denied in interviews with investigators.
The DOJ alleges Ellaboudy sought to reach Sanaa, the Houthi-controlled capital, to establish government-level contacts and improve rebel communications capabilities. However, the FBI affidavit states he was ultimately unable to reach the capital during the trip.
Legal and Institutional Response
The Justice Department charged Ellaboudy under a federal statute prohibiting material support to organizations designated as foreign terrorist organizations—a designation the US applies to the Houthis. The DOE’s Hanford Site office in Washington confirmed Ellaboudy worked there but stated he did not attempt to harm the facility or its workforce, and that his alleged activities were unrelated to his official duties.
Assistant Attorney General for National Security John Eisenberg called the allegations “deeply disturbing” in a press release announcing the arrest. The FBI initiated the investigation after receiving information about Ellaboudy’s purchases of explosive precursors and drone components, which were tracked through financial and procurement records.
Timeline of Alleged Activities
- December 2024: Ellaboudy took sick leave, citing exposure to highly concentrated nitric acid, a chemical commonly used in explosive manufacturing.
- September 2025: He traveled from Washington to Oman, then crossed into Yemen. He later told investigators he had to be smuggled in and out of the country.
- Upon return: He told Customs and Border Protection his trip was official government business, but his DOE supervisor stated he had no authorized travel to the region and was unaware of any such mission.
- Post-arrest investigation: The FBI reported that Ellaboudy had communicated with a confidential human source who claimed to work for the Houthis, during which he allegedly provided expert assistance related to communications technology.
Background: The Houthi Conflict and US Designation
The Houthi movement, also known as Ansar Allah, seized control of Sanaa in 2014, prompting a military intervention by a Saudi-led coalition in 2015. The conflict has resulted in thousands of deaths and widespread displacement. The US has designated the Houthis as a foreign terrorist organization since 2021, citing their ties to Iran and attacks on civilian and commercial shipping in the Red Sea.
Ongoing developments in the region include renewed violence and cross-border strikes, though Ellaboudy’s alleged activities occurred prior to the most recent escalations.
Next Steps in the Case
Ellaboudy is expected to make his first court appearance Friday, and court records do not list an attorney assigned to represent him. The case is being handled by the DOJ’s National Security Division and the FBI, with further proceedings pending.
No official motive has been disclosed by authorities, and the investigation remains ongoing.