Houthis increase smuggling networks in African conflicts

The Houthi group has strengthened its smuggling networks in African conflicts, particularly involving Somalia and Sudan, according to a recent report. This expansion of influence in the Horn of Africa is attributed to the Houthi ties with Al Shabab in Somalia and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). The report, titled "From Spoke to Hub: The Houthis in Africa," by the Century Foundation, highlights the Iran-backed militia's presence in the region and its connections to the Islamic Republican Guard Corps (IRGC) network. Al Shabab and the SAF are among the numerous affiliated factions across the Red Sea.

Concerns have arisen regarding the potential for the Houthi network to become deeply entrenched in the Horn of Africa, taking advantage of valuable resources such as arms, technology, know-how, supply chains, and access to Iran. The group recently resumed its attacks on international shipping in the Bab Al Mandeb strait, ending a year-long ceasefire in the Red Sea. In a similar incident, a Saudi oil tanker was attacked and set ablaze in Yanbu.

The report also indicates that the Houthi group has resumed communication with Al Shabab in 2024, seeking assistance in purchasing advanced anti-aircraft weapons and drones. Although there is no concrete evidence that Al Shabab has obtained and utilized these sophisticated weapons, two instances of Al Shabab operatives in Yemen suggest an intensifying relationship between the two groups.

For instance, Ahmed Elmi Samatar, an Al Shabab operative, was arrested in Yemen's Mukalla, confessing to organizing training camps with Houthi combatants. Additionally, Abdishakur Yahye Ali, known as "the Joker," was killed in an apparent US drone strike in Al Ghaydah, eastern Yemen, carrying a Houthi-issued passport.

In Sudan, the Houthi group is believed to have been transporting small arms and light weapons on Iran's behalf since 2024. Houthi operatives are reportedly present in Port Sudan, with arms traffic flowing in both directions across the Red Sea. The report also claims that the Houthi group has been training Sudanese army forces alongside the IRGC, with veteran engineers and operatives helping Sudanese forces in the use and manufacturing of Iranian UAV systems.

Furthermore, it is suggested that the group is re-establishing ties with Eritrea, serving as a smuggling center for Iranian arms destined for Yemen.