Houthi Official Assures Red Sea Shipping Lanes Remain Open

A senior Houthi official has stated that maritime trade and freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab strait are guaranteed. Hazam al-Asad, a member of the Houthi political bureau, told the Qatari newspaper Al-Araby Al-Jadeed that there is no reason for international concern regarding shipping in the Bab al-Mandab, and that there are no plans to impose transit fees.

Al-Asad's comments come after reports indicated that the group had completed its takeover of the strait region. The Houthi official emphasized that the organization is committed to maintaining these vital waterways.