The US military recently launched a cyberattack against an Iranian spy ship that was operating near the Chinese military base in Djibouti. The MV Behshad allegedly collected intelligence about cargo ships in the Red Sea and relayed it to Yemen’s Houthi rebels. According to media reports, three US sources claimed that the cyberattack was in response to an Iran-backed militia drone attack in Jordan that killed three US military members and injured hundreds more.
The ship was operating near the port of Djibouti, close to a Chinese military installation
According to US sources, the strike was carried out to disrupt the ship’s ability to relay intelligence to the Houthi rebels, who were using the information to attack ships in the Red Sea more effectively. The ship was operating near the port of Djibouti, close to a Chinese military installation. Analysts believe Iran chose to place the ship near the Chinese facility to deter the US from launching a direct attack or boarding the vessel. Iran denies that the ship was utilized for military purposes. Iran’s UN ambassador, Amir Saeid Iravani, told NBC News that the Behshad is in the Red Sea “to combat piracy activities” and is not giving intelligence to Houthi forces.
Earlier on February 4, the Iranian authorities cautioned the US against attacking the MV Behshad. Houthi rebels have attacked ships in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden to show their support for Hamas terrorists in their ongoing conflict with Israel. The Houthis maintain that the attacks would continue until the fighting in Gaza ends. The US has not officially published much information regarding the cyberattack, in accordance with its policy of not openly discussing covert operations. Maj. Gen. Patrick Ryder, Pentagon press secretary, said he was unaware of the US targeting of the Behshad, but added, “We are very well aware of the ship.”