The United States has accused a Chinese satellite company of helping Houthi rebels attack American interests. The company, called Chang Guang Satellite Technology, is said to be giving satellite images to the Houthis. These images are being used to target US warships and other international ships in the Red Sea.

A US State Department official, Tammy Bruce, confirmed this report. She said the support from the Chinese company is “unacceptable.” Bruce also said that even though the US has talked to China about this, the support to the Houthis continues.

The US believes China is trying to look like a peaceful global power, but at the same time, some of its companies are helping countries like Iran, Russia, and North Korea, as well as groups like the Houthis.

China’s embassy in Washington said they didn’t know about the situation and gave no comment. The satellite company has not responded yet either.

At the same time, the US military attacked a fuel port in western Yemen. This port, Ras Isa, was said to be a source of fuel for the Houthi rebels. The US said the attack was aimed at hurting the Houthis financially, not the people of Yemen.

Also on Thursday, the US put new sanctions on the International Bank of Yemen (IBY). The bank is accused of helping the Houthis financially. The US Treasury Department said these steps are part of efforts to stop Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea.

The Houthis have been fighting since 2014, when they took control of Yemen’s capital and other areas. Since November 2023, they’ve been attacking ships in the Red Sea with drones and missiles. They say they are doing this to support Palestinians in Gaza.

US officials say financial support from banks like IBY helps the Houthis access the global banking system and threatens international trade.