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U.S. sanctions International Bank of Yemen, cites Chinese satellite firm link to Houthi attacks
Summary
The State Department announced sanctions on the International Bank of Yemen for its financial support of the Houthis and said Chang Guang Satellite Technology Company Limited (CGSTL) directly supported Houthi attacks, urging partners to judge Chinese companies by actions.
State Department spokesperson Tammy announced that the United States has sanctioned the International Bank of Yemen for providing financial support to Houthi forces and also confirmed reporting that Chang Guang Satellite Technology Company Limited has directly supported Iran-backed Houthi attacks.
Tammy said the sanctions target the bank and ‘‘key leaders or officials of that bank’’ as part of a broader U.S. effort to disrupt Houthi financial networks. She also pointed to reporting that CGSTL provided satellite imagery and support to Houthi operations, and criticized Beijing for continuing relations with the company after U.S. private engagements.
Why it matters: The sanctions are part of a U.S. whole-of-government approach the State Department described as intended to deny financing and technical assistance to actors the U.S. regards as aligned with Iran and its proxies. The spokesperson framed restoring freedom of navigation in the Red Sea as a U.S. priority and said companies or states that enable attacks there risk consequences.
Tammy tied the actions to a broader critique of Chinese policy, saying Beijing ‘‘should take this priority seriously’’ and urging partners to judge the Chinese Communist Party and Chinese companies ‘‘on their actions, not their empty words.’’ She said the United States ‘‘will not tolerate anyone providing support to foreign terrorist organizations such as the Houthis.’’
The briefing did not provide full text of the sanctions designations, names of all individuals designated, or specific legal authorities used for the penalties; Tammy said the actions fit within a ‘‘whole-of-government’’ effort and that further details would be released through official channels.
Reporters asked about potential further measures and about China's role in supplying dual-use items to Russia and others; Tammy reiterated concerns about Chinese firms supplying capabilities used by hostile actors but declined to expand on classified or private diplomatic engagements.
The State Department also linked this sanctions announcement to broader regional priorities, including freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and countering Iran-backed groups.
