Houthis deny plans to charge ships transiting Bab al-Mandab Strait

Yemen's Houthi group on Saturday denied reports that it planned to impose fees on commercial vessels transiting the Bab al-Mandab Strait, saying passage through the strategic waterway remains free of charge.



In a press statement, the Houthi-run Humanitarian Operations Coordination Center (HOCC) said no decision had been made or was under consideration to introduce transit fees.



The center said its "Safe Passage" service was voluntary and free, offering vessels not targeted by the group's declared maritime embargo advance confirmation that they could navigate safely through the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandab Strait, Gulf of Aden and Arabian Sea.



It added that shipping companies seeking such assurances could register with the center, while stressing that vessels outside its embargo could transit without registration.



The HOCC also warned shipping companies against paying money or providing information to unauthorized individuals or entities claiming to act on its behalf.