Houthi Movement Expanding Influence Across Red Sea and Horn of Africa, Reports Show

The Yemeni Houthi movement has consolidated its control over strategic areas near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, significantly expanding its influence across the Red Sea and into the Horn of Africa. Recent reports from the UN and The Century Foundation highlight growing operational linkages between the Houthis and Somalian militant group Al-Shabaab, involving weapons smuggling, military tactics, and technical training in drone assembly and explosives. Somali authorities reported that around 400 Somali fighters received military and ideological training in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen. Furthermore, Houthi operatives have reportedly established connections in Sudan, Eritrea, and Djibouti, offering light weaponry to Sudanese forces and utilizing Port Sudan as a logistical hub. Despite deep ideological differences—with Houthis following Zaydi Shia Islam and Al-Shabaab being Sunni—analysts suggest the alliance is driven by pragmatic financial and military interests. Houthi political bureau member Hazem Al-Assad dismissed some UN reports, claiming they relied on hostile Saudi Arabian sources.