Yemen’s Houthi rebels have dismissed reports suggesting they intend to charge fees on vessels passing through the Red Sea. In a statement released by the Houthi-run Humanitarian Operations Coordination Center (HOCC) on Saturday, the group emphasized that transit through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait remains free and voluntary.

The HOCC clarified that its so-called "safe transit service" does not involve any charges, warning shipping companies against making payments or sharing information with unauthorized entities claiming to represent Yemen or the HOCC.

Background to the Allegations

The denial follows a Reuters report citing regional sources who claimed the Iran-aligned Houthis were exploring the idea of imposing transit fees on ships. The report stated that discussions took place during a Houthi delegation’s visit to Tehran earlier in July, with Iranian advisers allegedly assisting in establishing an authority to regulate such fees.

This development comes amid heightened tensions in the Red Sea, where the Houthis recently declared a maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia and claimed attacks on Saudi oil tankers, raising concerns over the security of this critical shipping route.

Strategic Importance of Bab al-Mandeb Strait

The Bab al-Mandeb Strait is a crucial maritime chokepoint connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden, facilitating the movement of oil and cargo between Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. Any imposition of fees would mirror Iran’s attempts to charge ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz, which has been largely closed since early 2024 due to conflict.

Yemen’s foreign minister-designate, Afrah al-Zouba, indicated that the Houthis might be aiming to emulate Iran’s model. A toll on the Bab al-Mandeb would significantly affect Saudi Arabia, which has increasingly relied on this route amid disruptions at Hormuz.

Ongoing Conflict and Regional Responses

  • The Houthis have targeted Red Sea shipping since 2023, intensifying after the outbreak of the Israel-Gaza conflict, but paused attacks following a ceasefire last October.
  • A United Nations expert report suggested the group may have collected informal fees from shipping agents in 2024, though this remains unverified.
  • Shipping traffic through the strait has yet to return to pre-2023 levels.
  • In response to the threats, Saudi Arabia recently announced a 14-nation maritime coalition to safeguard navigation through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, the Red Sea, and the Gulf of Aden.