Yemen's Houthi militia captured the port city of Mokha (also spelled Mocha) on Thursday, sparking fears the country could return to civil war.
The city lies around 80 kilometers (50 miles) from the Bab el-Mandeb strait, an important waterway for shipping that divides the Red Sea from the Gulf of Aden.
The Red Sea has served as a key alternative to the Strait of Hormuz, where shipping has been disrupted amid the United States' war with Iran, sending global oil prices skyrocketing.
Houthi spokesperson Abdulsalam was cited by the Reuters news agency as saying that freedom of navigation and international trade in the Red Sea and the Strait remain safe and operations are limited to specific targets.
The Houthis have in the past targeted international shipping in the Red Sea, saying it is in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.
