Houthis and al-Shabaab strengthen ties, threatening global shipping routes

In recent months, reports have emerged indicating that the Houthi Shiite terrorist organization from Yemen is solidifying its alliance with Sunni jihadist groups in Somalia, particularly al-Shabaab. This collaboration comes in the wake of the Houthis declaring war on Israel in October 2023. The alliance poses a significant threat to global shipping in the Red Sea, as both groups have reportedly coordinated their efforts to disrupt maritime traffic. The Houthis, formally known as Ansar Allah, have been engaged in a protracted civil war in Yemen and have gained control over the capital, Sana'a, effectively transforming into a global threat. As part of their collaboration, the Houthis have dispatched bomb-making experts to Somalia, where al-Shabaab operates. This teamwork has allowed al-Shabaab to enhance its capabilities by acquiring advanced military technology, including weaponized drones and missiles. The strategic geographic proximity of Yemen and Somalia facilitates this partnership, allowing both groups to target commercial shipping entering or exiting the Red Sea. The relationship has reportedly removed hostilities between the Houthis and al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) since at least 2022, further solidifying their alliance. The impact of this alliance is potentially catastrophic for international maritime trade. Reports highlight that the Houthis have been actively engaged in terrorist campaigns that aim to disrupt shipping through the Suez Canal, forcing vessels to take longer, costlier routes around the Cape of Good Hope. This not only raises the price of trade but also exposes shipping routes to ongoing threats from piracy and ransom demands imposed by the Houthis and al-Shabaab. Concerns have been raised about the Biden administration's approach to countering these threats, with accusations that the administration has avoided active military engagement against these terrorist groups while they have gained ground and increased their operational capabilities. Furthermore, evidence suggests that this alliance has deepened recently, with reports of arms trafficking between the Houthis and al-Shabaab. According to the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, various military supplies have made their way from Yemen to Somalia, contributing to the rise in al-Shabaab's operational efficiency. Worryingly, these supplies are believed to have been sourced from Iranian arms, indicating potential state support behind this growing coalition of terrorism. The challenges posed by this alliance are complex and underscore the need for comprehensive international response strategies to mitigate rising terrorist threats from both groups.