Yemen’s Houthi rebels have denied reports that they plan to charge ships for passing through the Red Sea, affirming that the waterway remains free for transit. The denial was issued on Saturday, August 1st, 2026, by the Houthi-run Humanitarian Operations Coordination Center (HOCC), which manages vessel movements through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait.
The HOCC described its “safe transit service” as voluntary and free of charge, warning that anyone demanding payment for passage does not represent Yemen or the HOCC. It also urged shipping companies not to make payments or share information with unauthorized parties.
This statement follows a Reuters report from the previous Wednesday, which cited regional sources claiming that the Iran-aligned Houthis were considering imposing fees on ships transiting the strait. This report came a week after the Houthis declared a maritime blockade on Saudi Arabia.
The Houthis have conducted a prolonged campaign against Red Sea shipping since 2023, coinciding with the start of Israel’s war on Gaza, pausing only after a ceasefire last October.
In response to the renewed threats, Saudi Arabia announced this week 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.
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