Chinese satellite data aids Houthis in Red Sea assaults
Chinese satellite data is supporting Yemeni Houthi rebels in attacks on merchant ships in the Red Sea, reports the "Financial Times." Since late 2023, they've targeted over 100 vessels.
What you need to know
- Yemeni Houthi rebels are using Chinese satellite data to attack merchant ships in the Red Sea, reports the "Financial Times."
- They utilize data from commercial satellites capable of capturing high-resolution images.
- U.S. State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce described the actions of the Chinese company as unacceptable.
Details of the Houthis' cooperation with China
According to information provided to the "Financial Times" by a high-ranking official of the U.S. State Department, Yemeni Houthi rebels are receiving satellite data from the Chinese company Chang Guang Satellite Technology.
This company is likely linked with the Chinese People's Liberation Army.
Do the Houthis receive support from other sources?
The company manages a network of Jilin-1 commercial satellites designed for high-resolution Earth observation. The satellites can capture images with a resolution of up to half a metre, allowing for detailed monitoring of objects on land and sea. They orbit at altitudes between 500 and 640 kilometres, enabling observation of selected locations and objects every few hours.
Satellites equipped with cameras can also record moving objects, such as ships.
Consequences for international security
Reports from the "Financial Times" do not directly state whether the Houthis received raw images, or if processed information was provided to them as ready intelligence data, allowing them to accurately target objectives.
State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce confirmed these reports and described the actions of the Chinese company as unacceptable, noting that the United States has repeatedly expressed its concerns privately to Beijing, but without success.
According to the Maritime Executive portal, the Houthis also receive similar intelligence information about targets in Israel and the Red Sea from Russia and Iran. The intermediary in their provision is officers of the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (RGC) stationed in Yemen.
