Somalia : US Intelligence Uncovers Possible Houthi-Al-Shabaab Arms Deal

MOGADISHU, Somalia (GO) - US intelligence has learned of discussions between Yemen’s Houthi and Somalia’s al-Shabaab militant group to supply weapons, a move that could significantly destabilize the region, according to CNN.

American officials are now investigating whether any Houthi weapons have been transferred to Somalia and are trying to determine Iran’s involvement in the potential agreement. The Houthis receive military and financial support from Iran, raising concerns about a broader geopolitical strategy.

“This is a pretty active area of conversation that we’re having with countries on both sides of the Red Sea,” a senior US administration official told CNN, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.

The possible arms deal is unusual, given the ideological differences between the groups. The Houthis, Zaydi Shiites, and al-Shabaab, a Sunni extremist group, have historically opposed each other. However, both groups view the United States as a primary adversary, which may have facilitated this potential cooperation.

Officials are concerned that the Houthis, who have been attacking commercial shipping and US military assets since the onset of the Gaza conflict, could provide al-Shabaab with sophisticated weaponry. Al-Shabaab’s current arsenal includes rockets, mortars, and improvised explosive devices, but access to Houthi drones and missiles could enhance their operational capabilities.

An agreement could also offer the Houthis a new revenue stream, particularly at a time when Iran, their primary patron, appears cautious about the group’s aggressive tactics. “Being able to sell some weapons would bring them much-needed income,” the senior official said.

This development could undermine the fragile ceasefire between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia, in place since 2022, and complicate UN efforts toward a lasting peace in Yemen.

US officials have been alerting regional allies about this potential cooperation, and African countries have expressed their concerns. Christopher Anzalone, a professor at the Marine Corps University, noted that such an agreement would be significant, showing pragmatism in both groups despite their ideological differences.

“There is a level of pragmatism in both organizations,” Anzalone said, emphasizing the potential impact of this cooperation.

As the situation unfolds, the international community remains watchful, given the possible escalation in violence and its broader implications for regional security.

GO+Agencies