started · updated
DOE engineer Ashton Hamed Ellaboudy arrested for allegedly aiding Houthi rebels
Ashton Hamed Ellaboudy, a 51-year-old electrical engineer for the U.S. Department of Energy, has been arrested by the FBI for allegedly attempting to provide material support to the Houthi rebels in Yemen.
Federal prosecutors allege that Ellaboudy purchased precursor chemicals for explosives, such as acetone and sodium bisulfate, as well as components for drones and remotely operated aerial systems. Investigators also claim he sought to use his technical expertise to help the Iran-backed group improve its communications capabilities.
According to court documents, Ellaboudy traveled from Washington state to Oman in September 2025 using an official passport issued during his previous service with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. He allegedly crossed the border into Yemen with the intention of reaching the Houthi-controlled capital, Sanaa. Upon his return to the United States, he reportedly told Customs and Border Protection officials that he was on an official government mission to inspect missile defense systems, a claim his supervisor denied.
Ellaboudy allegedly told FBI informants that he had to be smuggled into and out of Yemen. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison.
Entities
Ashton Hamed Ellaboudy · FBI · Hanford Site · Houthis · U.S. Department of Energy · U.S. Department of Justice
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Ellaboudy faces up to 20 years in prison. www.notiziegeopolitiche.net · www.marebtoday.net · news.az
- [● 3 SOURCES] Ellaboudy's supervisor stated they had no knowledge of his international travel or any assigned missile inspection program. www.dgabc.com.br · www.cbsnews.com · elespecialitodigital.com
- [● 10 SOURCES] Ellaboudy traveled to Oman and Yemen in September 2024. www.notiziegeopolitiche.net · www.dgabc.com.br · www.cbsnews.com · elespecialitodigital.com · www.marebtoday.net · +5 more
- [● 10 SOURCES] Ashton Hamed Ellaboudy is accused of providing material support to the Houthi rebels in Yemen. www.notiziegeopolitiche.net · www.dgabc.com.br · www.cbsnews.com · elespecialitodigital.com · www.marebtoday.net · +5 more
- [● 5 SOURCES] Ellaboudy falsely claimed to border officials that he was on a government mission to inspect missile defense systems. www.dgabc.com.br · www.cbsnews.com · elespecialitodigital.com · www.marebtoday.net · www.yemen-window.com
- [● 5 SOURCES] Ellaboudy allegedly intended to help the Houthis improve their communications capabilities. www.dgabc.com.br · www.cbsnews.com · elespecialitodigital.com · www.marebtoday.net · www.yemen-window.com
- [● 10 SOURCES] Ellaboudy purchased precursors for explosives and components for drones. www.notiziegeopolitiche.net · www.dgabc.com.br · www.cbsnews.com · elespecialitodigital.com · www.marebtoday.net · +5 more
- [● 4 SOURCES] Ellaboudy told FBI informants that he had to be smuggled into and out of Yemen. www.dgabc.com.br · www.cbsnews.com · www.yemen-window.com · dailycallernewsfoundation.org