Transport ministry: 198 commercial vessels transits across Bab al-Mandab Strait

The Ministry of Transport and Public Works issued on Monday official statistics on maritime navigation and commercial shipping activity in the area of interest around the Bab al-Mandab Strait from September 22 to 26, 2026.

According to the statistics, international maritime traffic through the strategic waterway has continued to flow normally, with 198 commercial vessels recorded transiting north and south of the Bab al-Mandab Strait over the past five days.

The ministry said 104 commercial vessels, or 52.5 percent of total traffic, passed toward the north of the Bab al-Mandab Strait, while 94 vessels, or 47.5 percent, traveled south.

It noted that Friday, September 25, recorded the highest daily traffic, with 50 vessels transiting the strait, including 30 heading north and 20 heading south.

The ministry added that some vessels do not appear in tracking data because their tracking systems are switched off, meaning the actual figures may be higher.

It also affirmed that it continues to lead monitoring efforts and exchange vital navigational data to ensure the security and safety of international shipping and global supply chains through the Bab al-Mandab corridor, with the exception of Saudi enemy vessels.

The ministry reiterated that maritime traffic through the Bab al-Mandab Strait is safe for all international vessels, except Saudi enemy vessels, which have continued their aggression and a comprehensive and unjust blockade against the Yemeni people for 12 years.