Sources told Refinitiv that Yemen’s Houthi movement is considering levying fees
on commercial vessels transiting the southern Red Sea. The group, which on July
20 announced a maritime blockade on Saudi Arabia, has expanded attacks beyond
the Gulf to include tankers carrying global energy and other goods. Sources said
it is studying fees on most ships passing the Bab al‑Mandeb Strait but has not
set an implementation date; the Houthi media office did not respond. Sources
added the move aims to normalize levy practices on international waterways and
increase pressure on the United States.
