Houthis deny plans to charge transit fees in Bab el-Mandeb Strait

Yemen’s Houthi movement, Ansar Allah, has denied reports that it plans to introduce fees for international vessels passing through the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

In a statement, the group said shipping through the waterway remains free and safe for all international vessels, with the exception of those linked to Saudi Arabia.

“Our operations in the Red Sea are limited exclusively to a ban on Saudi navigation. The ban on Saudi shipping in the Red Sea, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Gulf of Aden will continue until the blockade of Yemen is lifted,” the statement said.

The comments come after earlier reports suggested the Houthis were considering imposing duties on commercial vessels transiting the southern Red Sea.

By Tamilla Hasanova