Starlink in Yemen: Security Threat or an opportunity?

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    "Muhammed Ali Thamer"
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  "primaryCenter": "Carnegie Endowment for International Peace",
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  "regions": [
    "Yemen",
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Commentary

Sada

Starlink in Yemen: Security Threat or an opportunity?

The unexpected announcement that Starlink will launch its first satellite connectivity services in Yemen has sparked divisions over the perceived threat to Yemeni sovereignty, and potential to deepen ongoing political and economic crises.

By Muhammed Ali Thamer

Published on Jan 16, 2025

Yemen was the first country in West Asia to gain full access to Starlink, the satellite-based infrastructure owned by billionaire Elon Musk. The announcement surprised many, particularly given the swift praise from the U.S. embassy in Yemen, which characterized it as an achievement with the potential to unlock new opportunities. However, the timing of the announcement coincided with an increase in attacks on Red Sea shipping traffic. Critics worry the project could compromise Yemen’s national security, especially since countries like Russia, South Africa, Iran, China, and India have refused to allow Starlink to operate within their borders.

A Divisive Opportunity

The internationally recognized government (IRG) in Aden welcomed Starlink’s announcement, highlighting its potential to end the Houthis’ exploitation of communication and internet services for spying on military movements and monitoring social media activities. Previously, the IRG replaced Yemen Net—a Houthi-controlled internet provider based in Sana’a—with Aden Net, a new internet service provider headquartered in Aden. However, Aden Net was unable to meet public demand, prompting the government to seek an alternative in Starlink. The IRG believes that Starlink’s services will curtail Houthi espionage on citizens, international organizations, and political leaders. International cybersecurity reports suggest that Starlink’s entry into the Yemeni market could significantly weaken the Houthis by breaking their monopoly on internet services and improving the security of the legitimate government’s military communications, drawing comparisons to its pivotal role in Ukraine.

Meanwhile, the Houthi government in Sana’a condemned the Starlink deal as “dangerous” and a blatant violation of Yemeni sovereignty. They argue that the new service poses a significant threat to Yemen’s national security, jeopardizing the societal fabric and undermining the government’s ability to safeguard citizens’ privacy and data. The Sana’a authorities warned residents in areas under their control against using Starlink’s services, vowing to take necessary measures to protect the country’s sovereignty and security—a veiled threat to anyone who dares to use the service. The Houthis further escalated their rhetoric, characterizing Starlink as a tool for espionage, capable of monitoring Yemeni forces and identifying rocket launch platforms used for attacks in the Red Sea.

Concerns and Speculations

In addition to statements from the Houthi-controlled Ministry of Communications in Sana’a regarding the new satellite internet service in Yemen, experts and technicians have raised their own concerns, including the following: first; Politicization of telecommunications and its use as a weapon. Some argue that Starlink’s entry into Yemen is intended to exploit the telecommunications sector as a tool in conflict zones. This concern stems from the fact that all parties involved in the conflict already treat telecommunications as a strategic asset, using it as a weapon and a bargaining chip in their power struggles.

Second; the use of the internet to enhance American influence. Many Yemenis view Starlink as a tool for U.S. intelligence operations, citing reports from Reuters and the Financial Times about how the United States and Britain are struggling to gather the intelligence necessary to secure their interests in the Red Sea. Some believe that Starlink’s entry into Yemen could serve as a means to bolster American influence and presence in the region, especially amid ongoing conflicts. This raises fears of escalating tensions, similar to how Starlink played a logistical role in the Ukraine war.

Third; control over information flow. Experts have also expressed concern that Starlink could dominate the flow of information, a critical factor in Yemen’s ten-year conflict. Information collected through the satellite internet could potentially be used for intelligence gathering or economic exploitation, leading to the gradual militarization of Starlink’s services.

As it stands, Yemen appears to be on the verge of a new showdown over Starlink's entry to provide satellite internet services. This controversy adds another layer to Yemen's ongoing political and economic crises. It unfolds against the backdrop of a fragile state of neither war nor peace, skyrocketing inflation, a collapsing currency, and the unrelenting suffering of Yemenis—a plight that has persisted since the start of the war in 2014 and shows no signs of abating due to unresolved political, economic, and military challenges.

Domestic Politics Security Political Reform Economy Yemen Middle East

Carnegie does not take institutional positions on public policy issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Carnegie, its staff, or its trustees.

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