In a recent revelation, the U.
S. State Department has pointed fingers at a Chinese corporation, Chang Guang Satellite Technology Company Limited, alleging that it has been providing satellite imagery to Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen.
This imagery, according to the State Department, has been used to target U.S. and international vessels in the Red Sea.
As reported by Fox News, this alarming development comes in the wake of U.S. airstrikes on an oil port controlled by Yemens Houthi rebels. The strikes, which took place on Thursday, resulted in 74 fatalities and left 171 people injured, as per the claims made by the rebel group.
Tammy Bruce, the State Department spokesperson, stated that the Chinese firm's assistance to the Houthis has been ongoing since late 2023. The Houthis have been launching attacks on commercial and military ships in the region, demonstrating their solidarity with Palestinians amidst the Gaza war. Their aggressive tactics have ranged from missile strikes and drone assaults to attempted hijackings.
"Chang Guang Satellite Technology Company Limited is directly supporting Iran-backed Houthi terrorist attacks on U.S. interests," Bruce confirmed during a regular news briefing. She further criticized China's attempts to portray itself as a global peacemaker, highlighting that Beijing and China-based companies have been providing crucial economic and technical support to regimes like Russia, North Korea, and Iran and its proxies.
Bruce expressed her disapproval of these actions, stating, "The fact that they continue to do this is unacceptable." She emphasized that the U.S. "will not tolerate anyone providing support to foreign terrorist organizations such as the Houthis." Despite the U.S.'s engagement with Beijing on this issue, the firm's assistance to the Houthis has persisted.
Addressing instability in the Red Sea has been a priority for President Donald Trump, given the ongoing threat the Houthis pose to the global economy. This concern has been underscored by the recent U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) strikes on the Houthi-controlled Ras Isa Fuel Port in Northwest Yemen. This marked the 34th consecutive day of U.S. strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen, with the aim of eliminating the Houthis' fuel supply, a significant source of revenue for the group.
The strikes, which resulted in massive fireballs lighting up the night sky, marked a major escalation in the American campaign as oil facilities were targeted for the first time. CENTCOM stated that the action was taken to "eliminate this source of fuel for the Iran-backed Houthi terrorists and deprive them of illegal revenue that has funded Houthi efforts to terrorize the entire region for over 10 years."
The Command warned that "the Houthis, their Iranian masters, and those who knowingly aid and abet their terrorist actions should be put on notice that the world will not accept illicit smuggling of fuel and war material to a terrorist organization." They further clarified that the strike was not intended to harm the Yemeni people, who they believe aspire to live peacefully, free from Houthi subjugation.
Satellite images analyzed by The Associated Press showed the aftermath of the strikes, with destroyed tanks and vehicles at the port and oil leaking into the Red Sea. In a retaliatory move, the Iranian-backed Houthis launched a missile toward Israel, which was intercepted by the Israeli military. This incident triggered sirens in Tel Aviv and other areas.
The unfolding situation in Yemen continues to be a matter of international concern, with the involvement of foreign entities adding a new layer of complexity to the conflict.
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