Yemen's Information Minister Moammar al-Eryani said the Houthi toll system for the Bab el-Mandeb shows a dangerous effort to turn a key maritime route into a consistent source of funds for the group's military and terror operations.
Echoing Iran's Hormuz strategy
Eryani backed earlier international media reports, claiming that Iran's IRGC is involved in helping the Houthis collect tolls from ships passing through the Bab el-Mandeb. He said a special entity would collect the fees, following Iran's request to impose similar charges on the Strait of Hormuz.
The Strait of Hormuz moves roughly 20% of global crude oil and liquefied natural gas. In contrast, the Bab el-Mandeb has become more vital as a shipping passage since Iran's threats in Hormuz disturbed Gulf energy exports.
Ships caught in conflict
Houthi strikes on ships linked to Israel in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden have already reduced cargo traffic, pushing some to take long detours around southern Africa. Now, the Houthis have declared a maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia, reporting attacks on Saudi tankers and oil infrastructure.
The Houthi group, known as Ansar Allah, has ruled Yemen since late 2014, when it took control of Sana'a and the presidential palace. It is part of Iran's 'Axis of Resistance,' a militant network that also includes Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in Gaza, and Iraqi groups.
Escalation and response
Although the Houthis do not control the Bab el-Mandeb coastline, they are near enough to impact the area. Their blockade could affect Saudi Arabia's exports of millions of barrels of oil daily. In response, Riyadh has launched attacks on Houthi strongholds.
On Wednesday, the US and Saudi Arabia attacked members of an Iraqi paramilitary alliance, which includes pro-Iran groups, as stated by the Iraqi group. The attacks resulted in at least 20 deaths.