Yemen's Houthis May Impose Fees on Red Sea Shipping, Officials Say

Houthi rebels in Yemen are reportedly considering imposing fees on commercial ships transiting the southern Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Yemen's Information Minister, Moammar al-Eryani, described this potential measure as a "dangerous escalation" aimed at financing the militia's military and terrorist activities. Regional sources suggest the idea has been discussed with Iranian officials, with the goal of normalizing international waterway fees and increasing pressure on the United States. These sources also indicated that Chinese vessels, reportedly in direct talks with the Houthis, might be exempt from such fees. Yemen's Foreign Minister, Afrah al-Zouba, stated that the Houthis would attempt to gain access to the Red Sea and charge ships. Recent media reports, including footage from Saudi TV Al Arabiya, show armed men patrolling the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, though their identity remains unconfirmed. The Houthis previously declared a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia in the Red Sea and claimed responsibility for an attack on two Saudi oil tankers. The group controls northern and western Yemen and has threatened to close the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a crucial route for Middle Eastern oil exports. Approximately 9% of global oil trade passes through this strait, which connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and provides access to the Indian Ocean. The Bab el-Mandeb Strait, also known as the "Gate of Tears," is the second most important route for oil exports from the Middle East after the Strait of Hormuz. Vessels with ties to Israel and the United States are considered at higher risk of Houthi attacks, and advisories have been issued for ships to avoid the region. Former U.S. President Trump has warned of action should the Houthis attempt to close the strait.