Ashton Hamed Ellaboudy, a 51-year-old electrical engineer at the U.S. Department of Energy, was arrested Thursday in Richland, Washington, on allegations of supporting the Houthis in Yemen. Ellaboudy is expected to make his first court appearance on Friday.
The charges allege that Ellaboudy purchased homemade explosives and materials that could be used in unmanned aerial vehicles to help the Houthis improve their communications capabilities. Ellaboudy also allegedly traveled to Yemen last September.
Yemen trip linked to allegations
Ellaboudy traveled to Oman using a passport issued to him while he was serving in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and then proceeded to Yemen. Investigators are examining the trip in connection with the allegations of support for the Houthis.

Ellaboudy is being prosecuted under a U.S. law that criminalizes providing material support to organizations designated as foreign terrorist organizations. This legal designation also covers the Houthis.

He could face up to 20 years in prison if convicted
Ellaboudy could face up to 20 years in prison if convicted. His arrest and the charges against him do not constitute a final conviction by the court.
Conflict in Yemen intensified after the Houthis seized control of the capital, Sanaa, and several provinces in 2014. A Saudi-led coalition intervened in 2015 to support Yemen's internationally recognized government.