Houthis operate transit clearance system for the strait; demand $51 billion in reparations from Saudi Arabia

Houthi rebel fighters [EPA]
Houthi rebel fighters [EPA]

Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels have been running an email-based transit clearance system for the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, the gateway to the Red Sea, according to a new report.

The Wall Street Journal reported Friday (local time) that it had analyzed emails exchanged between ship captains seeking to pass through the strait and Houthi officials.

In one email published by the Journal, a ship captain wrote: "We hereby officially declare that this vessel has no connection whatsoever with Israel, the United Kingdom or the United States. The vessel's owner, management company and operator are all Chinese entities, and all crew members are Chinese nationals. We hereby apply for transit through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait."

The emails were addressed to clearances@hocc.gov.ye. HOCC stands for the Humanitarian Operations Coordination Center, an entity the Houthis established in 2024 to process transit applications from shipping companies and notify them of any sanctions imposed.

The Houthis typically responded within 24 hours when granting clearance, according to the report. One email read: "We appreciate your understanding of the current criteria for vessels subject to transit restrictions."

Meanwhile, the Houthis have demanded $51 billion in compensation from Saudi Arabia in recent negotiations, citing damage caused by past airstrikes and a prolonged blockade, according to Yonhap. They also called for official recognition of their government.


hyuk@heraldcorp.com