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An unreleased UN report suggests that Yemen's Houthi rebels have monetized their Red Sea blockade by running a multi-billion-dollar toll operation. Shipowners allegedly pay the group for safe passage, generating an estimated $180 million monthly. This revenue source could surpass the Houthis' income from taxing petroleum imports, providing a strong financial incentive to maintain attacks on shipping despite ideological claims.

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The report details over 130 Houthi missile and drone attacks on merchant vessels since November, targeting ships regardless of their affiliations. The group’s attacks have even hit vessels linked to Houthi-supporting nations like Iran. The findings highlight the Houthis’ extensive global network involved in smuggling, money laundering, recruitment, and piracy.

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Additionally, the report outlines the Houthis' ties to terrorist organizations such as Al-Qaeda, Al-Shabaab, Hezbollah, and Somali pirate groups, as well as their well-documented military links to Iran. The UN panel described the external military and financial support received by the Houthis as "unprecedented."

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Source: https://maritime-executive.com/article/report-houthis-are-earning-180-million-a-month-from-shipowners

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