Anthropic has revealed that a group in Yemen used its Claude chatbot while working on several weapons development programmes.
The US artificial intelligence company said it identified a group of threat actors based in northern Yemen. The disclosure comes as Iran-backed Houthi fighters remain active across the country.
Anthropic Detects AI Use in Weapons Development
In a report on efforts to prevent illegal uses of Claude, Anthropic said it had “identified a cell of threat actors based in northern Yemen running three weapons development programs”.
The company said the group worked on multiple airborne weapons programmes. These included guided and ballistic missile projects with different stated capabilities.
According to Anthropic, the group used Claude to develop guidance, navigation and control software for the weapons.
The company said this work could otherwise have required a team of engineers. However, Anthropic did not provide evidence that the group successfully deployed an operational weapon.
“We do not have evidence the actors succeeded in fielding an operational device; but they did test-fire a guided rocket,” Anthropic said.
Test-Firing Reportedly Failed
Anthropic said the group conducted a test of a guided rocket during its activities.
The company said the test appeared to fail. Afterwards, the actors returned to Claude to determine what had caused the failure.
“This field test appears to have failed: within hours, the actors returned to Claude to work out why it failed.”
Anthropic said it banned the relevant accounts after detecting the illegal activity.
Houthis Suspected Behind AI Activity
Anthropic did not identify the actors involved in the weapons programmes. However, the company said the activity likely involved the Houthis.
The Iran-backed group controls much of northern Yemen, including the capital, Sanaa.
The disclosure comes amid a wider Houthi offensive across Yemen. The group has also moved towards the strategic Bab al-Mandeb strait, which connects Europe and Asia.
Houthis Claim Control of Red Sea Island
The latest development comes as the Houthis continue their push towards the Bab al-Mandeb area.
On Friday, the Houthis claimed control of a Red Sea island located in the middle of the Bab al-Mandeb shipping lane.
The claim came as the group completed its reported push to control the area. Meanwhile, Anthropic’s disclosure has highlighted how artificial intelligence tools were allegedly used during weapons development activities in Yemen.
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