The Houthis are Reportedly Clearing Ships For Passage Through Red Sea Via Email, Cementing Their Control

Yemen's Houthi rebels are clearing ships to cross the Red Sea via email, cementing their control of one of the world's key waterways, according to a new report.

The Wall Street Journal had access to some of the emails sent to [email protected], where vessel captains clarified they had no connection with the U.S., UK or Israel to increase their chances of passing.

The outlet noted that the Houthis set up the administrative entity in 2024. Called the Humanitarian Operations Coordination Center, it deals with the applications and communicates the group's own sanctions.

Those who get approval usually receive it withing 24 hours, with passage granted for 7 days and include the order to keep transponders switched on.

The group has been making gains in its conflict with the internationally-recognized government and Saudi Arabia, with the latest report noting they are now within 50 miles of Aden, the temporary capital of the former.

Reuters detailed that the development means the Houthis are now closer to Aden than they were since 2015, when they briefly entered the city before being driven out. It threatens positions linking the capital with the city of Taiz, a key corridor for the southwest region of the country.

The outlet went on to say that fighting continued on Monday after the Houthis took the Al-Maqatirah district days ago.

Saudi Arabia has been helping the government fight the Houthis, but so far they have not made clear gains. In fact, Riyadh reportedly asked Yemen's Houthi rebels what they would want to end hostilities, with the Houthis saying they want $51 billion to cover the cost of years of war and a lengthy blockade, The Wall Street Journal noted in another report.

They also want to be deemed as the rightful rulers of Yemen instead of the current government recognized by most of the international community.

However, Riyadh is concerned that complying could invite further attacks in the future, as well as more financial demands. Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman wants to achieve some military gains first, but is also concerned that a scenario involving ground troops could be met with backlash and heavy losses. Riyadh later rejected the report.