The Iran-backed Yemeni Houthis have effectively established control over shipping in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait. The Wall Street Journal Commercial ship captains are emailing the group asking for safe passage. As reported by the Wall Street Journal, in early 2024, the Houthis established the Humanitarian Operations Coordination Center (HOCC), which reviews requests from shipping companies and notifies them of restrictions. Officially, ships not affiliated with the US, UK and Israel can proceed without permission. However, after the Houthis announced a naval blockade of Saudi Arabia in July 2026, some suppliers began asking for additional security guarantees. Journalists examined the correspondence between the captains of the ships and the representatives of the group. In one letter dated August 16, the captain of the Chinese ship said that the owner, management company, operator and all crew are exclusively related to China. He also reaffirmed the lack of ties with the US, UK and Israel and the commitment to respect the Houthi blockade of Saudi ports. In September, the Houthis allowed the Chinese container ship Zhong Cheng Chang Ling to sail through the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab Strait. In a response letter, the group's representatives demanded to activate the AIS automatic identification system and maritime radio communication, follow the international route and report any changes in the flight. The Houthis typically respond to requests from shipping companies within 24 hours if they decide to respond, according to the WSJ. The transit permit issued is valid for seven days from the date of issue. After receiving permission, the Chinese ship passed through the strait with the AIS system activated and entered the Indian Ocean on September 11.

The Iran-backed Yemeni Houthis have effectively established control over shipping in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait. The Wall Street Journal Commercial ship captains are emailing the group asking for safe passage. As reported by the Wall Street Journal, in early 2024, the Houthis established the Humanitarian Operations Coordination Center (HOCC), which reviews requests from shipping companies and notifies them of restrictions. Officially, ships not affiliated with the US, UK and Israel can proceed without permission. However, after the Houthis announced a naval blockade of Saudi Arabia in July 2026, some suppliers began asking for additional security guarantees. Journalists examined the correspondence between the captains of the ships and the representatives of the group. In one letter dated August 16, the captain of the Chinese ship said that the owner, management company, operator and all crew are exclusively related to China. He also reaffirmed the lack of ties with the US, UK and Israel and the commitment to respect the Houthi blockade of Saudi ports. In September, the Houthis allowed the Chinese container ship Zhong Cheng Chang Ling to sail through the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab Strait. In a response letter, the group's representatives demanded to activate the AIS automatic identification system and maritime radio communication, follow the international route and report any changes in the flight. The Houthis typically respond to requests from shipping companies within 24 hours if they decide to respond, according to the WSJ. The transit permit issued is valid for seven days from the date of issue. After receiving permission, the Chinese ship passed through the strait with the AIS system activated and entered the Indian Ocean on September 11.