On Tuesday, October 29, 2024, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Sanaa, controlled by the Iran-aligned Houthi group designated as a terrorist organization, announced the launch of a shipping line from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to the port of Hodeidah in western Yemen.

In an announcement posted on Facebook, which was reviewed by "Barran Press," the Chamber stated that the shipping line, operated by "Star Shipping," will offer direct service from Jeddah to Hodeidah, exclusively for goods originating from Saudi Arabia.

This launch marks a significant development, as it is the first shipping line established since the onset of the war in Yemen a decade ago. It comes amid escalating tensions in the Red Sea, where Houthis have been targeting commercial vessels.

The announcement coincides with discussions about reopening fronts against the Houthis and resuming the battle to liberate Hodeidah, a notion the group warned against just days prior. They cautioned of potential military operations led by the United States in coordination with government forces, amid increasing threats to international trade routes in the Red Sea.