ports

Houthis Deny Plans to Charge Bab al-Mandab Transit Fees

Yemen's Houthi rebels have flatly rejected reports suggesting they plan to impose tolls on vessels transiting the Bab al-Mandab Strait. The group stated categorically that transit through the waterway remains free of charge and that no fees have been considered. The Houthis also emphasized their Safe Transit Service carries no cost for participating vessels. The clarification addresses recent uncertainty about Red Sea shipping conditions. The Iran-backed group reiterated that vessels outside their declared target list may transit safely, with additional assurance available through formal safe transit requests.