AIS Spoofing from Shahin and Almas Vessels

Summary:

Between April and September 2024, two cargo vessels, Shahin and Almas, were identified as engaging in suspicious AIS behavior while conducting direct voyages from Iran to Houthi-controlled ports in Yemen. Shahin departed Bandar Abbas on April 18 and arrived in Saleef on May 1, shortly after reflagging from Tanzania to Comoros, while Almas was observed broadcasting AIS from both class A and B transponders around August–September 2024, suggesting attempts to obfuscate its movements. These voyages highlight ongoing tactics used to bypass arms embargoes and deliver military equipment, despite inspections by UNVIM in Djibouti. Experts warn that limited enforcement capacity and the removal of Saudi naval presence near Houthi ports since 2022 have allowed these activities to persist largely unchecked, contributing to renewed Houthi missile attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea.

Reference URL

https://www.lloydslist.com/LL1154208/Iran-shipments-to-Houthis-a-masterclass-in-AIS-manipulation