NewzHouthis say transit through Bab el-Mandeb free of charge Yemen's Houthi group said on Saturday that transit through the Bab el-Mandeb strait remains free of charge, denying reports that the authorities plan to impose tolls on vessels transiting the waterway. The Houthi-run Humanitarian Operations Coordination Center (HOCC) said in a statement that its Safe Transit Service for eligible vessels is voluntary and provided at no cost. "All vessels outside the scope of the declared ban may transit safely.
Additionally, for added assurance, such vessels may submit a Safe Transit Request by email to the following address: clearances@hocc.gov.ye at any time, and a response will be provided within a few hours," the statement said. The centre said any individual or entity requesting payment for passage through the strait does not represent the Republic of Yemen or the HOCC. It urged shipping companies not to make payments or share information with unauthorised parties.
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