Yemen warns of growing Houthi cooperation with Somalia’s Al-Shabaab
Yemen’s foreign ministry has warned of deepening collaboration between Houthi militias and Somalia’s Al-Shabaab, including arms deals and drone training.
Key Takeaways
AIYemen’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has warned that Houthi militias are cooperating with Somalia’s Al-Shabaab, renewing concerns over the group’s ties with terrorist organizations.
The relationship between the Houthis and Al-Shabaab goes beyond shared ideology, extending to weapons cooperation. The Houthis have reportedly sold arms to Al-Shabaab and trained its members in the use of drones and explosives.
The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), which oversees American military operations on the continent, has monitored the connection between the two groups, describing it as an escalating and deeply concerning threat to regional stability.
According to the ministry, the alliance involves merging operational capabilities, which could enhance Al-Shabaab’s combat effectiveness in the Horn of Africa, while enabling the Houthis to expand their influence and disrupt vital maritime routes in the Red Sea and western Indian Ocean.
US media reports have cited officials warning of the growing alliance between the Iran-backed Houthi militias and Al-Shabaab, calling it a threat to regional stability as the Houthis continue to fight for control of Yemen’s Red Sea coast.