The Houthi-run Humanitarian Operations Coordination Center says safe-passage services remain voluntary and free, rejecting reports of a proposed shipping fee.
SANAA, Yemen — WEB DESK: Yemen’s Houthi movement has denied reports that it plans to impose transit fees on commercial vessels passing through the Red Sea, rejecting claims that ship operators would be required to pay for safe passage.
In a statement, the Humanitarian Operations Coordination Center (HOCC), which operates under Houthi authorities, said its safe-passage service for commercial shipping in the Red Sea is voluntary and provided free of charge.
Houthis Reject Fee Claims
The HOCC said that any demand for payment or fees by any individual or organization does not represent either the center or what it described as the Republic of Yemen.
The statement urged shipping companies not to provide payments or sensitive information to any unauthorized person or entity claiming to act on behalf of the organization.
Response to Reuters Report
The clarification follows a Reuters report citing sources who said the Houthi leadership was considering a proposal to introduce transit fees for commercial ships using the Red Sea shipping route.
The Houthis rejected that report, stating that no such fees have been introduced and that the reported proposal does not reflect current policy.
