Yemen’s Houthi authorities have published a “safe passage” FAQ for Red Sea and Gulf of Aden vessels, raising concerns over legitimacy and maritime coercion amid continued attacks.
Yemen’s Houthi-controlled Humanitarian Operations Coordination Center (HOCC) has published a so-called “Safe Transit Service” FAQ, targeting commercial vessels navigating the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Released on August 14, 2025, the online guide outlines criteria that may influence whether a ship is attacked or allowed safe passage. The HOCC claims the document is designed to clarify threats and reduce misidentification, but the move is widely seen as a strategic effort to legitimize the Houthis’ role in maritime affairs.
The FAQ, posted on a professionally designed website affiliated with the HOCC, includes a registration form and lists exemptions—such as ships headed to "non-hostile" ports—framing the group’s actions as selective and policy-driven. This follows months of targeted drone and missile strikes by Houthi forces against vessels linked to Israel, the U.S., and other allies in response to the war in Gaza. Western governments and international observers warn that the Houthis are attempting to reposition themselves as maritime regulators, creating a dangerous precedent for coercion at sea.
According to reports from Maritime Executive and Splash247, the guide mirrors the language of official maritime safety advisories, yet lacks any legal standing. Industry experts caution that the FAQ could pressure shipping companies to alter routes or disclose sensitive information, potentially escalating security risks. In response to ongoing Houthi threats, global insurers have raised war-risk premiums and several carriers continue rerouting vessels around the Cape of Good Hope, despite longer transit times and increased fuel costs.
The move signals a shift in Houthi tactics—from indiscriminate attacks to an attempt at institutionalizing their maritime presence—raising serious questions about the erosion of international norms in one of the world’s most vital shipping corridors.
Sources: Maritime Executive, Splash247