Speculation continues regarding reports that the Houthis are successfully blackmailing ship owners to pay fees for guaranteeing safe passage through the Red Sea.
Initial reports, based on a draft UN report, estimated Houthi blackmail earnings at a staggering $180 million per month. However, the final report acknowledged these numbers could not be independently confirmed.
Independent analysis suggests the claimed fees wouldn't be financially viable for most shipping companies, who would likely choose longer routes rather than pay exorbitant amounts.
While evidence of large-scale blackmail for Red Sea passage remains unclear, the Houthis are known for demanding "protection money" from various businesses in their controlled areas.