Houthis Deny Plan for Tolls on Bab El-Mandeb Strait

The Houthi-run Yemeni maritime coordination body denied on Saturday that it planned to impose fees on commercial vessels passing through the Bab el-Mandeb strait. It said that, despite the Saudi Arabian blockade, no decision had been made to impose tolls on the strait and that passage through the strategic waterway remains free of charge.

The denial follows a Reuters report on Wednesday citing regional sources, who said the Iran-backed rebels were considering the move. According to the report, the sources said the proposal had been discussed with Iranian officials during a visit to Tehran in July, though no decision had been made on the timing of any potential implementation.

The Humanitarian Operations Coordination Center (HOCC), which is operated by the Houthis, said in a statement: "The HOCC categorically confirms that any individual or entity requesting the payment of money in exchange for transiting the Bab el-Mandeb strait does not represent the Republic of Yemen or HOCC in any capacity whatsoever."

It urged shipping companies not to make payments or provide information to unauthorized individuals or entities.

(Reuters, sak)