Yemen's Houthis considering fees for ships sailing through Red Sea, sources say

Yemen's Houthi group is reportedly considering imposing fees on commercial ships passing through the Bab el-Mandeb strait, a key maritime chokepoint connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden. The proposal follows the Houthis' declaration of a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia, escalating their campaign against the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen's civil war. Sources familiar with the matter indicated the fees could be used to fund the Houthi administration and military operations. The Bab el-Mandeb strait handles about 10% of global maritime trade, including oil and gas shipments. The Houthis have previously attacked vessels in the area using missiles and drones, raising insurance costs and rerouting some shipping. No official announcement has been made, and the plan remains under discussion.

Global Impact

Economically, the fees would disrupt one of the world's busiest shipping lanes, raising costs for global trade and potentially fueling inflation in goods reliant on Suez transit. Politically, the move would deepen the Houthis' de facto sovereignty over northern Yemen and challenge Saudi and Egyptian influence over Red Sea security.