Chinese satellite firm aids Houthis in Red Sea ship attacks
Chinese satellite data are reportedly aiding Yemeni Houthi rebels in their attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea, according to the "Financial Times." Since late 2023, over 100 vessels have been targeted.
What do you need to know?
- Yemeni Houthi rebels are reportedly using Chinese satellite data to attack commercial ships in the Red Sea, as reported by the "Financial Times."
- They are employing commercial satellite data capable of capturing high-resolution images.
- U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce has described the actions of the Chinese company involved as unacceptable.
What are the details of the Houthi cooperation with China?
According to information provided to the "Financial Times" by a senior U.S. State Department official, Yemeni Houthi rebels are receiving satellite data from the Chinese firm Chang Guang Satellite Technology.
This company is likely linked to the Chinese People's Liberation Army.
Do the Houthis receive support from other sources?
The company operates a network of Jilin-1 commercial satellites designed for high-resolution Earth observation, capable of capturing images with a resolution as fine as half a metre, allowing detailed monitoring of objects both on land and at sea. These satellites orbit at altitudes ranging from 310 to 400 miles, enabling the observation of selected locations and objects every few hours.
Equipped with cameras, the satellites can also capture moving objects, such as ships and vessels.
What are the implications for international security?
The "Financial Times" reports do not conclusively state whether the Houthis received raw images or processed information as ready intelligence data, enabling them to accurately identify targets.
U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce has confirmed these reports, emphasizing that the actions of the Chinese company are unacceptable. She noted that the United States has repeatedly expressed its concerns to Beijing in private, yet these efforts have been unfruitful.
According to the Maritime Executive portal, the Houthis also receive similar intelligence about targets in Israel and the Red Sea from Russia and Iran. Members of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) based in Yemen act as intermediaries in conveying this information.
