**Title: Yemen’s Houthis Deny Plans to Charge Ships Transiting the Red Sea**
**Date: August 1, 2026**
Yemen's Houthi rebels have publicly refuted claims that they intend to impose fees on vessels passing through the Red Sea, asserting that navigation through this critical waterway remains free of charge. This statement was released by the Houthi-run Humanitarian Operations Coordination Center (HOCC) on Saturday, which is responsible for overseeing maritime traffic in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait.
In their announcement, the HOCC emphasized that their "safe transit service" is voluntary and free, urging shipping companies not to engage with unauthorized individuals demanding payment for passage. The statement aimed to clarify any misunderstandings following a report from Reuters that suggested the Houthis were contemplating the introduction of fees for ships transiting the strait.
The speculation about potential fees arose after regional sources indicated that the Houthis had discussed this idea with Iranian officials during a visit to Tehran in July. These discussions reportedly included the establishment of an authority to regulate such fees. The Bab al-Mandeb Strait serves as a crucial chokepoint linking the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden, facilitating the transport of oil and cargo between Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
The possibility of imposing tolls on passage through the Bab al-Mandeb would have significant implications, particularly for Saudi Arabia, which has increasingly relied on this route as an alternative export pathway amid ongoing disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. Yemen’s foreign minister-designate, Afrah al-Zouba, recently suggested that the Houthis were attempting to emulate Iran’s approach to maritime fees, which have been a point of contention in the region.
The Houthis have a history of targeting Red Sea shipping, a campaign that intensified in 2023 following the escalation of the conflict in Gaza. Although attacks were paused after a ceasefire in October 2023, concerns about maritime security have persisted. A United Nations expert report indicated that the Houthis may have collected informal fees from shipping agents in 2024, although these claims have not been independently verified. As a result, maritime traffic through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait has not yet returned to levels seen before 2023.
In light of these developments and the potential threats to navigation, Saudi Arabia announced the formation of a 14-nation maritime coalition aimed at safeguarding freedom of navigation through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, the Red Sea, and the Gulf of Aden. This coalition reflects the growing concerns among regional powers regarding the security of vital maritime routes.
As the situation evolves, shipping companies and regional stakeholders will be closely monitoring the Houthis' actions and statements regarding maritime operations in the Red Sea. The international community remains vigilant about the implications of any changes to the status quo in this strategically important region.