Yemen’s Houthi-run maritime authority has denied reports suggesting that it plans to impose toll fees on commercial vessels transiting the Bab el-Mandeb strait. The group stated that ships can continue to pass through the critical waterway without paying any fees.

The Humanitarian Operations Coordination Center, affiliated with the Houthis, clarified in a statement that its safe-passage service is voluntary and does not require payment from vessels.

This pushback came on Saturday, August 2, 2026, amid concerns over potential disruptions to shipping routes in the Red Sea region.

Sources