US, Houthis reportedly reach secret deal over Red Sea shipping: Al Jazeera
The reported understanding would allow US ships to pass through the Red Sea as Washington stays out of the Saudi-led war in Yemen.
The United States and Yemen's Houthi group have reportedly reached a secret understanding under which American ships would be allowed to pass freely through the Red Sea, provided Washington does not directly intervene in the Saudi-led war in Yemen, Al Jazeera reported on 17 September.
The reported agreement comes as the Houthis have intensified military operations along Yemen's Red Sea coast and captured parts of strategic areas, including the port city of Mocha, according to the report.
Al Jazeera said the Houthis' recent advances have strengthened their control over the Bab al-Mandab Strait, one of the world's key maritime chokepoints and an important route for global trade and oil shipments.
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The Houthis had previously said they would target Saudi-flagged vessels in the Red Sea while allowing ships from other countries to pass through the area.
Axios also reported that US officials and Houthi representatives held talks in Oman on 15 September over regional tensions and maritime security in the Red Sea.
According to the reports, the Houthis said they would not target American or Israeli vessels and would instead focus their attacks on Saudi ships.
The reported understanding puts Washington in a difficult position as it seeks to keep the vital shipping route open while avoiding direct involvement in the conflict between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis.
The United States has so far rejected Saudi Arabia's requests for direct military intervention in Yemen, according to the reports.
