Sanaa warns against use of “Starlink” devices, seizes smuggled shipments

SANAA, Aug. 12 (YPA) – The Security and Intelligence Service of the Sanaa government has warned of the dangers of using satellite internet devices “Starlink,” considering them a threat to Yemeni national security.

This comes in light of the increasing seizure of smuggled shipments of these devices into the Sanaa government-controlled areas.

A security source stated that the smuggled Starlink devices are being used for “espionage and intelligence purposes for the benefit of hostile foreign parties.”

The source added that the government loyal to the Saudi-led coalition in Aden licensed these devices in a “blatant violation of the sovereignty of the Republic of Yemen” and provided them through points of sale in “the occupied territories” (coalition-controlled areas), with the aim of smuggling them into Sanaa to serve “American and Israeli intelligence.”

Starlink and its link with US intelligence

According to security experts, the Starlink network, owned by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, is a satellite system that provides high-speed internet without the need for traditional infrastructure.

Cybersecurity expert Tariq Al-Absi confirms that this network is not subject to local government oversight, making it a security concern as it could be used for intelligence or military purposes.

Secret Espionage Contracts

This warning comes amid revelations of close cooperation between SpaceX and US security agencies.

Media reports, including one by Reuters, indicate that the company is implementing a secret $1.8 billion contract with the US National Reconnaissance Agency to establish a network of hundreds of satellites dedicated to spying purposes.

This project aims to provide US intelligence and military agencies with high-precision monitoring and surveillance capabilities.

Citizens Called to Hand Over Banned Devices

The security source in Sanaa warned that possessing these devices is considered “an espionage crime punishable by law,” calling on anyone who possesses them to immediately hand them over to the Security and Intelligence Service.

He also urged citizens to report any information related to these devices to the toll-free number “100.”

YPA