Yemen is witnessing a new phase of conflict, marked by the escalation of military tensions in the Red Sea and the announcement of a coalition by the United States and other countries to confront the Houthi rebels. This represents a challenging period for a wide range of content in various forms.
The Yemeni Fact-Checking Network offers a set of guidelines for journalists and interested individuals on dealing with content and the importance of fact-checking:
First: Accurate Information is the Key to Proper Understanding
In the midst of escalation and the prevalence of social media networks, where a vast amount of information and claims flow, some supporters of one side or another, or enthusiasts seeking excitement on social media to attract followers, tend to exaggerate the significance of events or even fabricate some. Therefore, it is crucial to first realize that accessing accurate information, or at least avoiding falling into the trap of misleading information, is a shared responsibility towards ourselves, society, and the truth.
Information from Official or Reliable Sources:
Verify information from official accounts, such as the military spokesperson for the Houthi forces, Yahya Sarea, on platforms like Twitter. Similarly, check accounts and sites related to U.S. forces, such as the U.S. Central Command on Twitter, as well as the website and account of maritime trade operations in the United Kingdom. Be cautious of accounts with gray checkmarks, as they are known to lack reliability and may be driven by financial motives.
Balanced Coverage:
Regardless of your stance, aim for balanced coverage of events and avoid bias in the way information is presented.
Interact Cautiously:
When interacting with posts on social media, be cautious and avoid drifting into hostile discussions. Steer clear of breaking news and positions that could harm individuals.
Public Awareness:
Confronting misleading information and errors requires more than ignoring them. It's essential to alert the public, provide tips on verifying information, and share useful fact-checking tools and techniques.
Avoid Verbal Escalation:
In your coverage of events, avoid using provocative or hostile language that increases tension. Be professional in expressing events, and try not to reflect aggressive campaigns or strong opinions.
Professional Safety:
Journalists can review occupational safety evidence and relevant guidance.
Second: Information verification tools
Ship information
There are many ship tracking websites that provide live information on the locations and movements of ships around the world. Among the most prominent of these sites are:
- MarineTraffic (https://www.marinetraffic.com):
MarineTraffic is one of the most popular websites for tracking ship movements. It provides an accurate map that displays live information on the location and movement of ships, and also provides details about the type of ship and the route of the journey.
- VesselFinder (https://www.vesselfinder.com):
VesselFinder provides detailed information on ship movements, including live information on location, speed, and direction. The site also allows users to search for information about specific ships.
- ShipSpotting (https://www.shipspotting.com):
ShipSpotting is a website specializing in providing photos of ships in addition to live information about the location of the ship. It is a good place for those interested in photographing ships.
- MyShipTracking (https://www.myshiptracking.com):
MyShipTracking provides a ship tracking service that displays live information about ships, in addition to features such as search and filtering according to various criteria.
- Sea-web (https://www.sea-web.com):
Sea-web is part of IHS Markit services and provides comprehensive information on ships and shipping companies, including historical details and statistics.
- AIS Hub (https://www.aishub.net):
AIS Hub provides ship tracking services using AIS (Automatic Identification System) technology, and provides accurate data on the locations and movements of ships.
- FleetMon (https://www.fleetmon.com):
FleetMon provides ship tracking services with the ability to search for live information about ships, including detailed information about travel history.
Image verification tools:
The image verification tools can be reviewed here.
In conclusion:
In every political and military conflict, no one can speculate about an imminent or distant end, or the path events will take today, tomorrow, or in the coming months. What is certain is that we have a responsibility to protect the truth and safeguard society, ensuring that people do not fall into the trap of propaganda, a cost they pay with their lives and rights on various fronts.
