The relationship between Yemen’s Houthi rebels and Somali terrorist groups risks further destabilizing Somalia and disrupting shipping in the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea, according to a new report from Aries Intelligence, a security research firm.
Aries D. Russell of the firm said there is credible evidence that networks linked to Iran and the Houthi are using Somali ports and smuggling routes to move weapons to East Africa.
“What we are seeing is a logistical presence and influence, rather than the expectation that the Houthis are directly sending troops to Africa,” Russell told ADF.
Russell described the Houthis, and jihadist fighters from Iraq and Syria, as proxy military companies (PMCs) – which are organized organizations that provide military-like services such as training, advice and tactical support.
“Although these groups are based on ideology and network connections rather than profit-seeking companies like Western ones, they still act as contractors or subcontractors for the armed system,” he said.
He said the Iran-backed Houthis provide weapons to extremist groups fighting in Somalia, such as armed drones, anti-aircraft missiles and other equipment that has been identified as coming from Iranian weapons depots.
