The Minister of Information in Yemen revealed that intelligence services have confirmed the direct involvement of advisors from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in developing a taxation system imposed by Houthi rebels on vessels transiting the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. This system mirrors Iran’s claims to levy fees in the Strait of Hormuz.
The Houthi armed group is collaborating with Tehran to collect taxes from ships passing through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait in the Red Sea, posing a threat to another critical maritime route following Tehran’s blockade of the Hormuz Strait, according to an internationally recognized Yemeni government minister, as reported by Euronews.
The Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a narrow maritime artery in the Red Sea meaning “Gate of Tears” in Arabic, has become a vital route for oil deliveries to international markets after attacks and threats from Tehran disrupted energy exports from the Gulf through the Hormuz Strait.
This move by the Houthi group represents “a dangerous escalation aimed at transforming one of the world’s most strategic maritime corridors into a permanent funding source for the militia’s military and terrorist activities,” stated Yemen’s Minister of Information, Moammar al-Eryani.
Al-Eryani mentioned that this assessment is based on “confirmed information” obtained recently, indicating that the IRGC is contributing to the coordination of this effort.
“Reports suggest that IRGC experts and advisors are directly involved in developing the technical and administrative framework for the project,” added al-Eryani, thereby confirming information circulated by international media regarding Houthi plans.
This includes the establishment of a specialized entity responsible for collecting payments from shipping companies and commercial vessels.
Further Chaos on the Horizon
The fate of the Hormuz Strait remains a major conflict point between the U.S. and Iran.
Tehran insists on its right to impose transit fees on ships utilizing this waterway, previously responsible for transporting a fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas production.
Concerns are rising throughout the Gulf region that the Houthi group is attempting to mimic Iran’s strategy in the Hormuz Strait, monetizing access to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait at the entrance of the Red Sea – a move that risks plunging global energy markets into further chaos.
Houthi attacks on vessels linked to Israel in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden have led to a drastic reduction in cargo volumes during the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, forcing ships to take long detours around South Africa.
Last week, the Houthi rebels – officially known as Ansar Allah – announced a maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia and have since claimed responsibility for attacks targeting Saudi oil tankers and infrastructure.
The Houthi rebels, who came to power in late 2014 after storming the capital Sana’a and seizing the presidential palace and key military sites, forcing the Yemeni government into exile, are part of Tehran’s so-called “Axis of Resistance.”
This axis is a network of militant groups from various countries in the region, including Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in Gaza, and militias in Iraq.
Although the Houthi rebels do not control the coastal portion of Yemen along the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, they hold territories located less than 100 kilometers away.
The blockade has jeopardized Saudi Arabia’s ability to export millions of barrels of oil per day. Riyadh has retaliated with airstrikes targeting the rebels’ positions.
On Wednesday, the U.S. and Saudi Arabia launched attacks on members of a paramilitary alliance in Iraq that includes pro-Iranian groups, killing at least 20 individuals, according to the alliance.
