# US Department of Energy employee Houthi support arrest

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/us-department-of-energy-employee-houthi-support-arrest
> Updated: 2026-10-02T08:19:00.000Z. Sources: 37. Developments: 2.

Ashton Hamed Ellaboudy, a 51-year-old electrical engineer for the U.S. Department of Energy, has been arrested and charged with attempting to provide material support to the Houthi rebels in Yemen.

Federal authorities and the FBI allege that Ellaboudy sought to assist the Iran-backed group by improving its communications capabilities and optimizing solar power generators. Investigators claim he purchased components for drones and remotely operated aerial systems, as well as precursor chemicals for homemade explosives, including nitric acid, ammonium nitrate, acetone, and sodium bisulfate.

Court documents and affidavits indicate that in September 2025, Ellaboudy used a service passport—issued during his previous service with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers—to travel from Washington to Oman and into Houthi-controlled Yemen. Upon his return to the United States, he reportedly told border officials he was on an official government mission to inspect missile defense systems, a claim his supervisor disputed. An FBI affidavit notes that Ellaboudy told undercover informants he had to be smuggled into and out of Yemen and had hoped to establish connections in Sanaa.

Officials stated that the alleged crimes did not involve attempts to harm the Hanford Site or its workforce. If convicted, Ellaboudy faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.

## Claims

- Ashton Hamed Ellaboudy is accused of providing material support to the Houthi rebels in Yemen. (corroborated by 10 sources)
- Ellaboudy purchased precursors for explosives and components for drones. (corroborated by 10 sources)
- Ellaboudy traveled to Oman and Yemen in September 2024. (corroborated by 10 sources)
- Ellaboudy allegedly intended to help the Houthis improve their communications capabilities. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- Ellaboudy falsely claimed to border officials that he was on a government mission to inspect missile defense systems. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- Ellaboudy told FBI informants that he had to be smuggled into and out of Yemen. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Ellaboudy's supervisor stated they had no knowledge of his international travel or any assigned missile inspection program. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Ellaboudy faces up to 20 years in prison. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-02: DOE engineer Ashton Hamed Ellaboudy arrested for allegedly aiding Houthi rebels

A U.S. Department of Energy engineer, Ashton Hamed Ellaboudy, was arrested for allegedly attempting to provide material support and technical expertise to the Houthi rebels in Yemen.

13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/energy-department-engineer-arrested-for-allegedly-supporting-houthi-rebels

### 2026-09-30: DOE employee arrested for allegedly aiding Houthi terrorists

A Washington Department of Energy employee, Ashton Hamed Ellaboudy, was arrested for allegedly attempting to provide material support, technical expertise, and explosive/drone components to Houthi terrorists.

25 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/doe-employee-arrested-for-allegedly-aiding-houthi-terrorists

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Cite as: US Department of Energy employee Houthi support arrest. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/us-department-of-energy-employee-houthi-support-arrest