Why did the US Pentagon activate Starlink in Yemen?

Since Elon Musk announced the activation of his satellite internet service, Starlink, in Yemen, there has been widespread speculation as to why the Pentagon would pay for such a service when the US has recently cut aid to Yemen. Most commentators have alluded to the security risks associated with the service, which could be used to hack the Houthis' communication infrastructure, although there is no substantial evidence to suggest such a risk exists. Starlink has been used in many conflict areas, and in itself, it has not constituted a significant risk factor, despite a few incidents where it was used to locate potential targets and guide attacks. This piece will explore the potential explanations behind the US move.

First, Yemen already had limited access to Starlink in several hotspots outside of Ansarullah's control. The new announcement involves expanding the service and making its availability known publicly. In Syria, Starlink is accessible despite the absence of an official service. Even in Iran, Starlink was activated by dissidents during the protest movement in 2022, allowing them to communicate without fear of surveillance, plan actions, and liaise with the outside world. Thus, the Pentagon may be attempting to foster dissent to undermine the growing power and influence of the Houthis. A diminished influence on the internet could make the Houthis appear less in control and harm their prestige.

Second, as the Houthis seek to increase their hold over government functions in Yemen, including currency issuance, they have moved to exert more control over internet services. This includes monitoring internet traffic both within and outside the areas under their control. The US has previously attempted to impose a cost on the Houthis for their blockade of the Red Sea, but military measures have failed, as have efforts to pressure the Houthis through financial systems, after the latter threatened to retaliate with a maritime blockade on Saudi Arabia. Even political pressure by designating the Houthis as a terrorist organisation failed to make them lift their Red Sea blockade. As a result, the US might be trying to create another form of leverage against the Houthis by undermining their territorial sovereignty. It is conceivable that the US could seek to cut Yemen’s internet cables, depriving Yemenis living in Houthi-controlled areas of access, which could lead to greater instability.

Third, the Houthis are also attempting to expand their investment in internet cable services and are in discussions with BRICS countries in this regard. This could provide Yemen with a greater source of income and influence on the global economy. Although the Houthis have denied it, they have the capacity to disrupt many global undersea cables that pass near Yemeni waters. The potential for weaponisation and control of security in this realm could make the Houthis a stronger regional actor, as they become a key player in maritime security.

In the past year, the Houthis have sought to establish closer ties with Russia. Many of the Houthis' recently revealed advanced capabilities were reportedly provided by Russia, and the US has officially accused Russia of being the source. One area of potential collaboration is tapping into the fibre-optic undersea cables that control the flow of data between Asia and Europe. The US has long warned of Russia’s ability to use unmanned submarines to sabotage and spy on global data cables. It is foreseeable that Russia could collaborate with the Houthis to pressure the US into ending the war in Gaza by weaponising undersea data cables.

This aligns with the US plan to lay data cables overland as part of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). Such cables would reduce the reliance on undersea cables, thereby diminishing the Houthis’ influence. Consequently, satellite internet could be seen as a layer in the US strategy to redirect data flows through the Gulf, Jordan, and Israel, rather than the Red Sea, which is controlled by the Houthis and where they are likely to remain the dominant power in the future. The UAE has recently signed a $30 billion deal with Microsoft to support the expansion of the IMEC infrastructure.

The US aims to undermine the sovereignty of nation-states in the region, and conflict-ridden countries like Yemen serve as effective testing grounds. Therefore, it is foreseeable that Starlink will be made available in all markets that oppose the US, especially in countries where rulers seek to tighten control over internet services.

This is by no means an exhaustive list of potential reasons for launching the service, but it offers an opportunity for deeper reflection on the matter.