Houthis Deny Plans to Charge Ships Transit Fees Through Bab al-Mandab Strait

The Houthi group has denied plans to impose transit fees on ships passing through the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a strategic waterway in Yemen. This denial comes after accusations from Yemen's internationally recognized government that the Houthis were attempting to replicate Iran's approach in the Strait of Hormuz by charging ships for passage.

Information Minister Moammar al-Eryani stated that such a move could further disrupt global energy markets and drive up oil prices. The Houthi Humanitarian Operations Coordination Center has denied these reports, stating that passage through the Bab al-Mandab Strait is free of charge.