Report: Houthis expand networks in Horn of Africa via smuggling, recruitment

A US research institute has reported that the Houthi militia is expanding its reach and influence in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region. The report, published by the Century Foundation, indicates that the militia is forming connections with various armed groups, smuggling networks, and recruiting individuals from African countries.

The Houthi militia aims to establish itself as a new hub for a regional network, taking advantage of their growing illicit economic activities and smuggling operations in Yemen and the surrounding areas. They have been actively establishing communication channels with extremist groups such as Al-Shabaab in Somalia, as well as other factions and tribes within the Horn of Africa region.

In a recent incident in 2024, security forces in Mukalla apprehended a Somali national who was believed to be a liaison between the Houthis and Al-Shabaab. This individual allegedly facilitated the transfer of up to 400 Somalis for military and ideological training in Houthi camps, as well as aiding Houthi engineers in reaching the city of Jilib in Somalia.