News Tanks Bureau | July 11, 2025
London/Aden – In the wake of recent deadly attacks by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea, commercial vessels are adopting unusual strategies to avoid being targeted. Ships are now broadcasting public messages on their AIS (Automatic Identification System) such as All crew Muslim,No Israeli affiliation, or Armed guards on board.
These messages are aimed at deterring attacks by the Iran-aligned Houthis, who have escalated their operations against vessels with perceived links to Israel in support of the war in Gaza.
Drop in Traffic, Rise in Attacks
The Red Sea, a vital maritime corridor for global oil and goods trade, has become increasingly dangerous since November 2023. This week, Houthi forces reportedly sank two commercial ships. Their leader, Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, reiterated that any vessel transporting Israeli cargo will not be spared under any circumstances.
According to Lloyd’s List Intelligence, only 35 vessels passed through the Bab al-Mandab Strait on July 10, compared to a daily average of 79 ships before the Houthi attacks began in October 2023.
Religion and Nationality Now Part of AIS Messages
AIS data indicates that many vessels are now explicitly stating that they are crewed by Muslims, Chinese-owned, or involved in Russian trade. One message read: Only Muslim Crew On Board,” while another emphasized no connection to Israel.
Maritime security experts say this is a “desperate measure, unlikely to guarantee safety. “The Houthi intelligence apparatus is highly advanced and thorough, said one security source.
