Houthi Response to Bab el-Mandeb Strait Claims

The Houthi movement has denied reports that it will charge commercial ships passing through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Houthi Political Bureau member Hizam al-Asaad stated that the strait is open to international shipping, with restrictions only applying to Saudi Arabian vessels. The strait remains open to international traffic.

The Bab el-Mandeb Strait will remain closed to the navigation of the enemy Saudi Arabia until the blockade on our country is lifted, our people's legitimate rights are restored, and our country's sovereignty is respected and its internal affairs are not interfered with, but it is open to international navigation in a secure manner.

The Houthi movement has taken a firm stance against claims of imposing a transit fee in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Hizam al-Asaad announced that the movement has not made any decision to collect fees from commercial ships.