Chinese Company Allegedly Supports Houthi Attacks on US Ships Amid Deadly Airstrikes

The U.S. State Department has made serious allegations against a Chinese firm, claiming it supports Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen by supplying crucial satellite imagery that targets U.S. and international vessels in the Red Sea.

This revelation emerged concurrently with recent U.S. airstrikes on a Houthi-controlled oil port, resulting in at least 74 fatalities and 171 injuries, according to reports from the Yemeni group.

State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce confirmed that Chang Guang Satellite Technology Company Limited is providing intelligence to the Houthis, who have been actively launching attacks on maritime traffic since late 2023. These actions coincide with their efforts to express solidarity with Palestinians in light of ongoing conflicts in Gaza. The Houthi assaults include missile strikes, drone attacks, and attempted hijackings, posing significant risks to regional stability.

Chang Guang Satellite Technology Company Limited is commercially oriented but maintains ties to the People’s Liberation Army, raising concerns about its role in international security.

In a news briefing, Bruce stated, “We can confirm the reports that Chang Guang Satellite Technology Company Limited is directly supporting Iran-backed Houthi terrorist attacks on U.S. interests.” She emphasized that China’s efforts to portray itself as a peacemaker are inconsistent with its actions, as the country and its companies continue to provide economic and technical support to hostile regimes, including Iran.

Bruce highlighted the U.S. government’s firm stance against any party that collaborates with foreign terrorist organizations, stating that support for the Houthis is intolerable. Furthermore, she indicated that this cooperation persists despite ongoing dialogues between the United States and Beijing on the matter.

President Donald Trump has prioritizing efforts to address the volatility in the Red Sea, voicing ongoing concerns around Houthi actions that threaten the global economy.

As the conflict escalates, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) recently executed airstrikes targeting the Ras Isa Fuel Port in northwest Yemen, marking the 34th consecutive day of U.S. military actions against Houthi positions. These strikes were strategic, aimed at crippling the Houthis’ fuel supply, which serves as a significant revenue stream for the group.

The bombing raids resulted in tremendous fireballs that illuminated the night sky, indicating a marked escalation in the American campaign against Houthi assets.

CENTCOM reported, “U.S. forces took action to eliminate sources of fuel for the Iran-backed Houthi terrorists and deprive them of illicit revenue that has funded Houthi efforts to terrorize the region for over a decade.” The command noted that the airstrikes aimed to curtail the Houthis, their Iranian backers, and those complicit in facilitating their activities.

It was made clear that the U.S. operations were not intended to harm the Yemeni population, who seek freedom from Houthi control. No casualties from the airstrikes were officially reported, nor was there an assessment of the damage incurred.

Satellite imagery analyzed by Planet Labs PBC revealed significant destruction at the port, including damaged tanks and vehicles, with oil seeping into the Red Sea following the strikes.

In a concerning development, the Iranian-backed Houthis reportedly launched a missile towards Israel soon after, which was intercepted according to reports from the Israeli military. This incident triggered sirens in Tel Aviv and surrounding areas, escalating tensions in the region.

Reporting from Reuters and the Associated Press contributed to this article.

Global Implications of Houthi Aggression

The implications of these conflicts extend beyond the immediate region. The ongoing support from Chinese firms to groups like the Houthis complicates international relations and highlights the multifaceted nature of modern warfare alongside economic interests.

This situation underscores a growing concern among global powers about the strategic significance of the Red Sea as a critical artery for trade and energy transport. The involvement of external state actors like China in proxy conflicts could exacerbate tensions, leading to broader geopolitical challenges.

The West remains vigilant in monitoring the actions of Iran and its proxies in the region. As evident from U.S. strikes, the American military strategy appears focused on disrupting logistical and financial networks that sustain these groups.

Potential consequences may ripple through international markets, particularly in oil prices and shipping routes, which are sensitive to disturbances in the region. The situation remains dynamic, and global leaders continue to grapple with the implications of these developments.

Public awareness of these issues remains crucial. As more information becomes available, the stakes involved in this proxy battle reflect larger themes of national security, economic interests, and international diplomacy that resonate worldwide.