Yemen Denies Plans to Impose Toll on Ships Passing through Bab-el-Mandeb Strait

Houthi Rebels Deny Report of Collecting Dues from Ships Passing Through Bab-el-Mandeb Strait

The Houthi movement, a religious and political organization in Yemen, has denied allegations that they are collecting fees from ships passing through the Bab-el-Mandeb strait. The Houthi movement emerged in the 1990s and is primarily composed of members from the Zaydi sect, with many of its leaders coming from the Houthi family. The organization played a crucial role in Yemen's civil war and has been widely condemned by countries around the world, including human rights abuses and the use of child soldiers. Some countries have designated the Houthi movement as a terrorist organization.

The Houthi movement has received support from Iran and is seen as a key member of Iran's "Axis of Resistance." Under the leadership of Hussein al-Houthi, the group opposed Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh, accusing him of corruption and receiving support from Saudi Arabia and the US. In 2003, the Houthi movement was influenced by Hezbollah, a Shia political and military organization in Palestine, and began to adopt anti-US, anti-Israel, and anti-Jewish slogans. After Hussein refused to comply with a detention order from Saleh, he was killed by the Yemeni military in 2004 in the Sadaa province, sparking a Houthi resistance movement.

The Houthi movement has maintained close ties with Iran and has received military and economic assistance from the country. The organization's military forces have achieved significant victories in Yemen's civil war and have controlled many key cities, including the capital Sanaa. Many countries, including Saudi Arabia and the US, have pressured the Houthi movement to surrender its arms and engage in dialogue with the government.

The report of the Houthi movement collecting fees from ships passing through the Bab-el-Mandeb strait has raised international concern, with many countries worried that it could impact global trade and security. However, the Houthi movement has denied the allegations, calling them a "late lie." The organization emphasized that it will continue to protect the strait from external threats and ensure its territorial security.

The relevance of this event requires consideration of the Houthi movement's importance in Yemen's civil war and its relationship with Iran. The Houthi movement's actions could have a significant impact on global trade and security, and it is essential to closely monitor the situation. For Taiwan, this event serves as a reminder of the complexity of global politics and security, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa regions. Taiwan must continue to observe and evaluate this situation to ensure its interests and security.