Yemen’s Houthis deny plan to charge ships transiting Red Sea
Summary
Yemen’s Houthi rebels said they are not planning to charge ships for passing through the Red Sea. They confirmed that moving ships through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait remains free and warned shipping companies not to pay or share information with unauthorized groups.Key Facts
- The Houthi-run Humanitarian Operations Coordination Center (HOCC) manages ship movement through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait.
- The Houthis denied reports that they plan to charge fees for passage through the strait.
- A recent report claimed the Houthis discussed fees with Iranian officials during a visit to Tehran.
- The Bab al-Mandeb Strait is an important route connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and global oil shipping.
- Charging fees would affect Saudi Arabia, which uses the strait for exports due to disruptions at another key route, the Strait of Hormuz.
- The Houthis have attacked Red Sea shipping since 2023 but paused after a ceasefire last October.
- A UN report suggested Houthis might have collected informal payments from shipping agents in 2024, but this was not verified.
- Saudi Arabia announced a 14-nation naval coalition to protect navigation routes in response to threats in the Red Sea region.
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