The United States warns that the threat from Yemen’s Houthis in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden remains, despite the recent lull.
MARAD (United States Maritime Administration) recommends that US-flagged vessels consider turning off their AIS in dangerous areas if doing so does not impact navigational safety. This is because adversaries can use electronic signals to track and target ships. It emphasizes that not only AIS but also other onboard systems can be “spotted.”
The Houthis have previously carried out over 100 attacks on commercial vessels, including the use of drones, missiles, and explosive boats. Although there have been no new confirmed attacks since October 2025, the threat remains real.
Not only are vessels with direct communications with the US, UK, or Israel at risk, but also indirect indicators—through owners, charters, or even previous calls to Israeli ports. Attempts to deceive crews through fake radio calls demanding they turn on AIS or transmit data have also been recorded.
⚠️ What is recommended:
— Minimize electronic emissions
— Change route and speed, avoid patterns
— Stay away from the coast of Yemen
— Increase visual surveillance
📡 If AIS is disabled:
Maintain contact and transmit positions via NAVCENT / UKMTO
Bab el-Mandeb remains a key and vulnerable hub for global trade, so precautions are critical now.
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