The Ansar Allah Houthi movement in Yemen appears stronger and more influential following the recent capture of strategic areas near the Bab al-Mandab Strait and success in attacking targets deep within Saudi Arabia. These events reflect a significant advancement in the military capabilities of the Houthis in recent years.
Expansion of Houthi Relations in the Horn of Africa
These achievements have come at a time when there is increasing evidence of the Houthis' expanding presence and relations across the Red Sea. A report published by the Century Foundation documents the growing ties between the Ansar Allah Houthi group and armed groups in the Horn of Africa. Previously, a United Nations report had provided evidence of weapon transfers and personnel training between the Houthis and the Al-Shabaab Islamist movement in Somalia, which is loyal to Al-Qaeda.
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Concerns Over Regional Security Threats
Houthi relations in the Horn of Africa, particularly with Al-Shabaab, have noticeably developed in recent years. The United Nations report indicates that cooperation between the two sides has deepened significantly, encompassing arms trafficking and technical training, including operational tactics, military experience exchanges, and logistical support. This cooperation may threaten not only the security and stability of Yemen but the entire region. Some analysts believe that these relations could lead to a linkage of existing conflicts.
Nadwa al-Dosari, a researcher at the Armed Groups Center, states: "The Houthis have always relied on traffickers and criminal networks in the Horn of Africa for the transfer of weapons, personnel, and goods, but these relations have significantly expanded, especially after the events of October 7."
However, some experts, such as Abdul Ghani al-Zubaidi, doubt the establishment of any relationship between the Houthis and Al-Shabaab, considering the two groups to have ideological differences. They believe that due to the current war conditions, the Houthis cannot send weapons to Somalia.
Ultimately, Professor Stig Jarle Hansen, a political science professor, believes that given the ideological differences, the relationship between the Houthis and Al-Shabaab is likely to be interest-based, but it could create a direct link between the conflicts in Yemen and Somalia in the future, which would be difficult to sever.
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