Yemen's Houthi movement has denied reports that it intends to charge ships for transiting the Red Sea, insisting that passage through the strategic waterway remains free.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Houthi-run Humanitarian Operations Coordination Center (HOCC), which oversees vessel movements through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, said its "safe transit service" is voluntary and does not require any payment.
The group also warned shipping companies against paying money or sharing information with unauthorized individuals claiming to represent Yemen or the HOCC.
The statement follows recent reports suggesting the Iran-aligned Houthis were considering introducing transit fees for commercial vessels passing through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait after announcing a maritime blockade targeting Saudi Arabia.
The Bab al-Mandeb Strait is one of the world's busiest maritime chokepoints, linking the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and serving as a vital route for global oil and cargo shipments between Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
Saudi Arabia recently announced a 14-nation maritime coalition to help safeguard navigation through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, the Red Sea, and the Gulf of Aden amid growing security concerns in the region.
The Houthis have repeatedly targeted commercial shipping in the Red Sea since 2023, contributing to a sharp decline in vessel traffic through the strategic waterway.
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