Houthis deny wanting to charge Bab el-Mandeb Strait tolls
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The Iran-backed Houthis denied on Saturday that they plan to impose transit fees on ships passing through the strategic Bab al-Mandab Strait, after Yemen's internationally recognized government accused them of seeking to do so.
Information Minister Moammar al-Eryani said on Wednesday that the Houthis were attempting to replicate Iran's approach in the Strait of Hormuz by charging ships for passage.
He warned that such a move could further disrupt global energy markets and drive up oil prices.
The Houthis' Humanitarian Operations Coordination Center denied "the accuracy of reports circulated by some news websites and media platforms regarding the Republic of Yemen's intention to impose financial fees on ships transiting the Bab al-Mandab Strait”.
In a statement, the center said it had "neither taken nor considered any decision to impose transit fees," stressing that "passage through the Bab al-Mandab Strait is free of charge."
The center added that the services it provides, including its safe-passage service for ships, are free and optional for vessels or companies outside the scope of the declared blockade that wish to ensure the safe transit of their ships through the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandab, the Gulf of Aden, and the Arabian Sea.
Al-Eryani said his accusations were based on "confirmed intelligence" gathered recently, indicating that Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) was assisting the Houthis in managing the effort.
The allegations have raised concerns that the Houthis may seek to exploit their position near Bab al-Mandab, one of the world's most important maritime chokepoints, to generate revenue in a manner similar to Iran's activities in the Strait of Hormuz.
The Houthis announced a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia last week and have since claimed attacks on oil tankers and oil facilities across the kingdom.
Meanwhile, the Saudi-led coalition said it had carried out strikes on Houthi positions in Yemen.
The declared blockade threatens Saudi Arabia's ability to export millions of barrels of crude oil per day, potentially depriving the kingdom of its Red Sea maritime outlet while navigation through the Strait of Hormuz remains disrupted due to Iran.
