US says Chinese satellite firm is supporting Houthi attacks on US interests

WASHINGTON, April 17 (Reuters) - The U.S. State Department on Thursday accused a Chinese firm, Chang Guang Satellite Technology, of directly supporting attacks on U.S. interests by Iran-backed Houthi fighters.

Earlier, the Financial Times cited U.S. officials as saying that the satellite company, linked to China's military, was supplying Houthi rebels with imagery to target U.S. warships and international vessels in the Red Sea.

"We can confirm the reporting that Chang Guang Satellite Technology Company Limited is directly supporting Iran-backed Houthi terrorist attacks on U.S. interests," State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce told a regular news briefing.