Chinese satellite data aids Houthi attacks on Red Sea ships
Chinese satellite data supports Yemeni Houthi rebels in attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea, reports the "Financial Times." Since the end of 2023, more than 100 vessels have become their targets.
What do you need to know?
- The Yemeni Houthi rebels use Chinese satellite data to attack commercial ships in the Red Sea - reports the "Financial Times."
- They utilize commercial satellite data capable of capturing high-resolution images.
- U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce described the actions of the Chinese company as unacceptable.
What are the details of the Houthi cooperation with China?
According to information provided to the "Financial Times" by a high-ranking U.S. State Department official, Yemeni Houthi rebels receive satellite data from the Chinese company Chang Guang Satellite Technology.
This company is likely associated with China's People's Liberation Army.
Are the Houthis receiving support from other sources?
The company manages a network of commercial Jilin-1 satellites, designed for high-resolution earth observation. The satellites are capable of capturing images with a resolution of up to one and a half feet, allowing for detailed monitoring of objects on land and sea. They orbit at altitudes from 300 to 400 miles, enabling observation of selected places and objects every few hours.
Equipped with cameras, the satellites are also able to capture moving objects such as ships and vessels.
What are the implications for international security?
The "Financial Times" does not directly indicate 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 spokesperson 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 to no avail.
According to the Maritime-executive portal, the Houthis also receive similar intelligence about targets in Israel and the Red Sea from Russia and Iran. Officers from the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (RGC) stationed in Yemen act as intermediaries in transmitting this information.
