A US Department of Energy electrical engineer has been arrested for allegedly trying to support Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen.

Prosecutors say Ashton Hamed Elaboudi, 51, bought chemicals used in homemade explosives and drone parts, traveled to Yemen and provided advice on communications equipment. The FBI says he was smuggled into Yemen and hoped to establish government-level contacts with the Houthis.

He is accused of providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization designated by the United States.

Source: AP