The US Navy warns ships against flying the American flag south of the Red Sea

The US Maritime Administration has warned ships flying the American flag to turn off their transponders when crossing the southern Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait, in order to hinder determining their locations and avoid being attacked.

She said in a statement : “Commercial ships flying the United States flag that transit the southern Red Sea, the Bab al-Mandab Strait, and the Gulf of Aden, and that are equipped with AIS transmitters and receivers, are at increased risk of attack from hostile parties. We strongly advise commercial ships flying the United States flag operating In these areas, AIS transmitters and receivers must be turned off in order to prevent the vessel from being exposed to danger.

The statement explained that turning off the transmitters and receivers hinders the ability to accurately track and target the ship.

In solidarity with the Gaza Strip, Ansar Allah in Yemen targets cargo ships in the Red Sea owned and operated by Israeli companies.

In response, the United States and its allies formed  a military force to deal with the Houthi strikes , as American and British aircraft had previously launched numerous strikes on various areas in Yemen.