WSJ: Iranian spy ship helps Houthis attack ships in the Red Sea

Iranian paramilitaries are providing real-time intelligence to the Yemeni Houthis, which the rebels are using to direct drones and missiles at ships passing through the Red Sea, Western and regional security officials said, The Wall Street Journal reported, UNN reported.

Details

According to officials, information gathered by an Iranian paramilitary-controlled reconnaissance ship in the Red Sea is being passed on to the Houthis, who have been using it to attack commercial vessels passing through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait in recent days.

Many ships sailing in the Strait turn off their radio transmitters to avoid being tracked on the Internet, but an Iranian vessel in the Red Sea is allowing Houthi drones and missiles to accurately target ships, officials said.

"The Houthis don't have the radar technology to target the ships," said a Western security official. - "They need Iran's help. Without it, the missiles would just fall into the water."

However, the Houthi spokesman said the group does not need to rely on Iranian assistance in its attacks. "It is strange to attribute everything to Iran, as if it is the strongest state in the world," the spokesman said. - "We have intelligence assets that have proven themselves over the years of aggression against us.

Recall

The United States accused Iran of involvement in planning attacks by Yemeni Houthis on commercial vessels in the Red Sea. However, Iran denies any involvement in the attacks. 

The threat of attacks on civilian ships by the Iranian-backed Houthi movement has led major trading companies to change the routes of their vessels.