About 1,000 commercial vessels transited Bab al-Mandab Strait in September

SANAA, Sept. 28 (YPA) – The strategic Bab al-Mandab Strait has witnessed active maritime traffic, with nearly 1,000 commercial vessels transiting the waterway from September 1 to 26.

According to official statistics released by Yemen’s Sanaa-based Ministry of Transport on Monday on maritime and commercial traffic in the Bab al-Mandab area of interest, international shipping continued to flow normally, with 198 commercial vessels transiting north and south through the strait from September 22 to 26, 2026.

The ministry said 104 vessels, or 52.5 percent of the total, transited northward, while 94 vessels, or 47.5 percent, headed south.

It added that Friday, September 25, recorded the highest daily traffic, with 50 vessels transiting the strait—30 northbound and 20 southbound. Some vessels may not appear in the figures because their tracking systems were switched off, meaning the actual number could be higher.

In an earlier report, the ministry said 801 commercial vessels had transited the strait from September 1 to 20, noting that maritime traffic through Bab al-Mandab had proceeded smoothly and safely for all international commercial vessels.

The ministry’s statement also reaffirmed that it continues to lead monitoring efforts and exchange vital maritime data to ensure the security and safety of international navigation and global supply chains through Bab al-Mandab, with the exception of Saudi vessels.

It reiterated that maritime traffic through Bab al-Mandab is safe for all international vessels except vessels of the Saudi regime, which it said has continued its blatant aggression and unjust and comprehensive blockade against the Yemeni people for 12 years.