Sana'a – The United Nations has disclosed new intelligence indicating increased cooperation between the Houthi armed group in Yemen and Somalia’s Al-Qaeda-affiliated Al-Shabaab movement. 

According to a February 2025 report reviewed by the UN Security Council, representatives from both groups held meetings in Somalia during July and September 2024, amid the Red Sea crisis.

The report details how the Houthis have allegedly facilitated the smuggling of advanced weaponry, including Iranian-made drones and surface-to-air missiles, to Al-Shabaab. In return, Al-Shabaab fighters were reportedly transferred to Yemen for training in the deployment and maintenance of these systems.

UN experts warned that this collaboration marks a strategic shift in jihadist coordination across the Horn of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. Despite ideological differences—Al-Shabaab adheres to Salafi jihadism while the Houthis follow Zaidi Shia Islam—the two groups appear to be aligning tactically to counter shared adversaries and expand their operational reach.

The report also noted that the Houthis’ growing influence in the Red Sea region has enabled them to establish logistical and communication networks that support cross-border militant activities. These developments have prompted concerns among Western and regional governments, particularly regarding the potential for coordinated attacks on maritime routes and international interests.

Security analysts believe the alliance could provoke a stronger response from the United States and its allies, especially as the Houthis continue to target commercial shipping and military assets in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

The UN called for increased monitoring and intelligence-sharing to counter the emerging threat, emphasizing the need for regional cooperation to prevent further destabilization.