Somali militant group Al Shabaab is deepening ties with Yemen’s Houthis, posing significant maritime and land threats, reports the Africa Center for Strategic Studies.
“The alliance expands each group’s disruptive reach across the Gulf of Aden, Red Sea, and Western Indian Ocean maritime routes,” the Center said.
Houthis have attacked over 100 commercial vessels since November 2023, threatening Bab al Mandab shipping routes.
Piracy incidents surged to 47 after years of calm as Somali pirates hijacked ships and demanded ransoms that fund Al Shabaab’s operations.
“Suez Canal shipping dropped 50–60 percent, severely impacting global trade and causing Egypt to lose over 70 percent of canal revenues,” according to the Center.
Al Shabaab now receives advanced weapons and drone training from Houthis while providing piracy support and expanding arms smuggling networks in return.
The Center confirmed that both sides had meetings in 2024 and exchanged missile parts, drones, and explosives, despite their different beliefs.
Houthi attacks generate up to $180 million monthly from shipping fees, while Al Shabaab benefits financially from piracy ransom payments.
“Despite international naval patrols and airstrikes, the alliance remains resilient, continuing to threaten regional security and commerce,” the Center warns.
