Houthis discuss Bab al-Mandab transit fees

British maritime security firm Ambrey reports that senior Houthi leadership is now discussing mechanisms for potentially imposing transit tolls or fees on ships passing through the Bab al-Mandab Strait. The strait is a critical global chokepoint, with 10-12% of the world's seaborne trade passing through it. This development represents a significant escalation in the Houthis' maritime strategy, moving beyond attacks to potentially establishing a revenue-generating blockade. If implemented, such tolls would directly threaten the principle of freedom of navigation and could sharply increase global shipping costs.