Ships Entering Yemeni Waters Must Obtain Permit: Houthi Minister

All vessels must now secure a permit from the Houthi-run Maritime Authority to enter Yemeni territorial waters, announced the Houthi Telecommunications Minister, Misfer Al-Numair.

This follows a series of drone and missile strikes by Houthi militants on international ships in the Gulf of Aden since mid-November, aimed at demonstrating support for Palestinians amid Israeli actions in Gaza.

These frequent attacks have prompted costly detours for shipping companies and heightened concerns that conflicts between Israel and Hamas could destabilize the broader Middle East. The US and UK have struck back by targeting Houthi positions.

The mandate covers waters up to the halfway point of the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a critical channel leading to the Suez Canal, responsible for approximately 15% of global maritime traffic.

The Houthis, via Al Masirah TV, assure maritime operators that the permit system is designed to safeguard their vessels, with the Yemeni Navy providing assistance.

Additionally, HGC Global Communications reported last week's damage to four key undersea cables in the Red Sea, impacting 25% of data transmission in the region; restoration plans are in place. The Houthis attribute any cable damage to US and UK military actions.

Recently, a ship experienced two explosions near Aden but sustained no casualties and continued its journey, as per the UK Maritime Trade Operations agency.