Citing accounts from crew members and emails it reviewed, the WSJ reported that the Houthis generally respond to such requests within 24 hours.
Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels are reportedly operating an email-based clearance system for ships seeking safe passage through the Red Sea.
According to a report by The Wall Street Journal on Friday, some vessels have started contacting the Houthis before entering the Red Sea, seeking confirmation that they will be allowed to pass without being targeted.
Citing accounts from crew members and emails it reviewed, the WSJ reported that the Houthis generally respond to such requests within 24 hours.
How Does The Email Permit System Work?
The WSJ report cited an email sent by the captain of an unnamed vessel, which stated: “has no connections with Israel, the United Kingdom and the United States of America”. The captain went on to request: “we kindly request your confirmation for safe passage.”
In another instance, the Houthis responded to a request from a Chinese container ship, writing: “We hope you are keeping well. We are glad that you understood the criteria for the scope of the vessels ban.”
The group subsequently informed the vessel that it had received a transit permit valid for seven days. The email also invited the ship to subscribe to its alert service, adding: “We also invite you to subscribe to our email alert service to receive the latest news and updates.”
Ships allegedly linked to Israel, the UK and the US have repeatedly come under Houthi attacks. All three countries have carried out military strikes in Yemen in recent years.
Why Are The Houthis Controlling Red Sea Traffic?
The email clearance system follows an escalation in tensions involving the Houthis and Saudi Arabia.
In July, a fragile truce dating back to 2022 broke down after the Houthis allowed an Iranian aircraft to land in Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, despite Saudi Arabia’s control over Yemeni airspace.