Houthi-Al-Shabaab Ties Deepen as Somali Fighters Reportedly Train in Yemen

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Cooperation between Somalia’s Al-Shabaab and Yemen’s Houthi movement has expanded from arms trafficking into military training, drone expertise and direct contacts between operatives, according to recent investigations and security officials.

A Wall Street Journal investigation reported that the relationship has been developing since at least 2023, with Somali intermediaries helping Al-Shabaab obtain weapons and military expertise from the Houthis.

The issue gained new attention this week after Yemen’s anti-Houthi National Resistance Forces said Somali Al-Shabaab fighters were found among Houthi casualties during fighting on Yemen’s western coast. The force said the men were identified through documents and personal belongings recovered from their bodies. The claim has not been independently verified.

The Journal identified Somali operatives who allegedly helped establish the channel between the two groups, including arranging weapons purchases, movement of military supplies and contacts with Houthi commanders.

The cooperation has also reportedly expanded into training. U.S. and regional security officials cited by the Journal said more than 100 Al-Shabaab fighters had traveled to Yemen for instruction, including drone operations, advanced weapons and explosives techniques. Houthi trainers were also reported to have traveled to Somalia.

A Houthi delegation was also reported to have traveled to Jilib, an Al-Shabaab stronghold in southern Somalia, for discussions involving weapons, training and wider cooperation.

The reported relationship is drawing concern because it could give Al-Shabaab access to more sophisticated military capabilities while extending Houthi influence across the Gulf of Aden.

There is, however, no confirmed evidence that the Houthis have transferred their most advanced missile or drone systems to Al-Shabaab.

GAROWE ONLINE