FBI Arrests Energy Department Employee for Alleged Support of Iran-Backed Houthis in Yemen

FBI arrests energy worker for trying to aid Iran-linked Houthis in Yemen. Charges include providing materials for explosives and drones.

Editorial Desk

October 2, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Washington, United States — An electrical engineer with the U.S. Department of Energy has been arrested on charges of attempting to support the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, according to the Justice Department.

Ashton Hamed Ellaboudy, 51, of Richland, Washington, was taken into custody Thursday and is scheduled for his first court appearance Friday. No attorney has been listed to represent him at this time.

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The FBI alleges that Ellaboudy sought to assist the Houthis in enhancing their communication capabilities by purchasing materials for homemade explosives and drones, as well as traveling to Yemen. Authorities say he claimed to be on a work trip to inspect missile defense systems when returning from Oman, but his supervisor denied any knowledge of such travel or an associated mission.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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