WA Man Accused of Attempting to Aid Iran-Backed Houthis

October 6th, 2026· 0:48

A Richland, Washington man has been charged with attempting to provide material support and resources to the Houthis, an Iran-backed group designated by the United States as a foreign terrorist organization, according to the Justice Department. Prosecutors allege the case involves overseas travel, purchases of chemicals and drone components, and technical assistance that 51-year-old Ashton Hamed Ellaboudy believed would benefit the Houthis. The charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison if convicted. Ellaboudy is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court. Subscribe for more Washington breaking news, public safety, national security, and government coverage. #Washington #Richland #Houthis #DOJ #NationalSecurity #BreakingNews #WashingtonNews #Iran