Houthis Deny Reports of Charging Fees for Commercial Ships in the Red Sea
The Houthi group has denied reports claiming it plans to charge fees to commercial vessels transiting the Red Sea.
In a statement, the **Humanitarian Operations Coordination Center (HOCC)**, which operates under Houthi administration, said its safe-passage service for ships sailing through the Red Sea is voluntary and provided entirely free of charge.
The HOCC stressed that any individual or organization requesting payment or fees does not represent the center or the Republic of Yemen. It also urged shipping companies not to provide payments or sensitive information to any unauthorized persons or entities.
The clarification came after **Reuters**, citing unnamed sources, reported that Houthi leaders were considering a proposal to impose fees on commercial vessels passing through the Red Sea. The Houthis rejected the report, saying no such charges have been introduced.
> **Note:** The Reuters report and the Houthi statement present differing accounts. There has been no independent confirmation that any transit fee policy has been implemented.
