This news is even more painful for the United States than the approval of oil tankers heading to China! On July 29, according to the latest reports from foreign media, the Houthi rebels in Yemen are now considering charging passage fees through the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, just like they do in the Strait of Hormuz. Just as foreign media broke the news that we have been in contact with the Houthis, discussing the release of oil tankers bound for China, the Houthis have suddenly unveiled a new move.
From the Houthis' perspective, collecting transit fees is undoubtedly a smart strategy. The situation is clear: for a long time, due to external sanctions and ongoing war in Yemen, the Houthis have extremely limited sources of revenue. Their daily military supplies, civilian livelihoods, and armed operations have all been under severe strain. The Bab-el-Mandeb Strait serves as a vital chokepoint connecting the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, leading directly to the Suez Canal. A large number of global cargo ships and energy tankers must pass through this strait. If they begin charging reasonable fees on a regular basis, it would generate stable and sustainable cash flow—far superior to their current reliance on sporadic foreign aid or random hijackings of ships for supplies.
For the United States and its allies, this move by the Houthis is undoubtedly extremely uncomfortable. Ships cannot pass without paying; if they take the detour around Africa’s Cape of Good Hope, costs will skyrocket. And if they pay? The Houthis will grow stronger militarily, increasing their deterrence capability against Western vessels over time. Clearly, this low-cost countermeasure is far more sustainable than continuous airstrikes and missile attacks. Now, it's up to the U.S. to figure out how to break the deadlock.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1872054182699008/
Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author.