The U.S. State Department alleges a Chinese company is directly assisting Houthi rebels in Yemen, who are supported by Iran, by providing satellite imagery used to target American and international ships in the Red Sea.

This announcement coincides with reports that 74 people were killed and 171 wounded in U.S. airstrikes on a Houthi-held oil port in Yemen on Thursday, according to the group.

State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce stated that Chang Guang Satellite Technology Company Limited is aiding the Houthis, who have been attacking commercial and military vessels in the region since late 2023, claiming solidarity with Palestinians amidst the Gaza conflict. The attacks have involved missile strikes, drone attacks, and attempted hijackings.

Chang Guang Satellite Technology Company Limited is a commercial entity with links to the People’s Liberation Army.

“We can confirm reports that Chang Guang Satellite Technology Company Limited is directly supporting Iran-backed Houthi terrorist attacks on U.S. interests,” spokesperson Tammy Bruce said during a press briefing.

“China frequently attempts to portray itself as a global peacemaker, however, it is evident that Beijing and Chinese companies provide essential economic and technical assistance to regimes such as Russia, North Korea, Iran, and its proxies,” she stated.

“Their continued actions are unacceptable,” she added, stating that the U.S. “will not tolerate any support for foreign terrorist organizations like the Houthis.”

Bruce noted that the company’s assistance to the Houthis persisted despite U.S. engagement with Beijing on the matter.

President Donald Trump has prioritized addressing instability in the Red Sea, citing concerns that the Houthis remain a threat to the global economy.

The news arrives as U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) conducted strikes on the Houthi-controlled Ras Isa Fuel Port in Northwest Yemen on Thursday, marking the 34th consecutive day of U.S. strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen.

The strikes aimed to eliminate the Houthis’ fuel supply, a significant revenue source for the group.

The strikes, which resulted in large explosions, represent a major escalation of the American campaign by targeting oil facilities for the first time.

CENTCOM stated that “U.S. forces took action 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 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,” Central Command said.

“This strike was not intended to harm the people of Yemen, who rightly want to throw off the yoke of Houthi subjugation and live peacefully,” it added. It did not acknowledge any casualties from the attack or offer any damage assessment.

Satellite images from Planet Labs PBC, analyzed by The Associated Press on Friday, showed destroyed tanks and vehicles at the port and oil leaking into the Red Sea.

The Iranian-backed Houthis launched a missile toward Israel later on Friday, which was intercepted, the said. Sirens were activated in Tel Aviv and surrounding areas.

Reuters and