US authorities have arrested a 51-year-old employee of the Department of Energy over allegations that he attempted to provide material support to Yemen’s Houthis, the US Department of Justice has said.
Ashton Hamed Ellaboudy, a resident of Richland, Washington, was arrested on Thursday and charged with attempting to provide material support or resources to the Houthis, which the United States designates as a foreign terrorist organisation.
According to court documents, investigators allege that Ellaboudy obtained precursor chemicals and other materials that can be used to manufacture improvised explosive devices, as well as components for drones and remotely operated aerial systems.
The complaint further alleges that Ellaboudy travelled from Washington to Oman in September 2025 using an official passport that had previously been issued to him during his employment with the US Army Corps of Engineers.
Authorities said he then crossed from Oman into Yemen and intended to travel to Sanaa, the Houthi-controlled capital.
Upon returning to the United States, Ellaboudy allegedly told Customs and Border Protection officials that he had travelled overseas on official government business.
However, investigators were allegedly informed by his Energy Department supervisor that he had not been authorised to undertake government travel to the region.
The FBI also alleges that Ellaboudy communicated with a confidential source posing as a Houthi colonel and provided technical assistance relating to communications equipment.
According to the Justice Department, Ellaboudy used his electrical engineering expertise to assist with testing and modifying solar power generators and communications equipment, as well as providing guidance on integrating the systems.
Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg said Ellaboudy allegedly attempted to use his specialised technical knowledge to assist the Houthis.
Ellaboudy is scheduled to make his initial appearance before a federal magistrate judge in Richland, Washington, on October 2.
If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
The charges are allegations, and Ellaboudy is presumed innocent unless and until he is proven guilty in court.
