Yemen's Houthis Deny Plans to Charge Ships Using Bab el-Mandeb Strait

NASA

Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

Yemen's Houthi-run maritime coordination body has denied reports that it plans to impose fees on commercial vessels transiting the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, stating that no such decision has been made and that passage through the strategic waterway remains free of charge.

The statement follows a Reuters report published on Wednesday, which cited regional sources as saying the Iran-aligned Houthis were considering introducing transit fees for ships sailing through the southern Red Sea, a week after announcing a maritime blockade on Saudi Arabia.

According to the Reuters report, the proposal was discussed with Iranian officials during a visit to Tehran by Houthi representatives in July. However, the sources said no timetable had been agreed for implementing the measure.

The Houthi-run Humanitarian Operations Coordination Center (HOCC) said its "safe transit service was a voluntary and cost-free service".

"The HOCC categorically confirms that any individual ⁠or entity requesting the payment of money in exchange for transiting the Bab el-Mandeb strait does not represent the ⁠Republic of Yemen or HOCC in any capacity whatsoever," it said in a statement.

"The HOCC urges ⁠shipping companies not to make any payments or provide any information to unauthorized individuals or entities," it said.



PUKMEDIA