Houthis Forge Red Sea Alliance with Horn of Africa Militants
Yemen's foreign minister Afrah al-Zouba warned that the Iran-backed Houthis are linking up with militant groups across the Horn of Africa, creating a dangerous Red Sea coalition.
Afrah al-Zouba said the Houthis have broadened ties with armed factions in the Horn of Africa, forming what she calls a Red Sea Axis. She cited evidence of weapons transfers, joint training, smuggling routes and coordinated operations. The minister argued the emerging network threatens Yemen, Red Sea shipping lanes and global trade. The statement was posted on the foreign ministry’s X account, referencing an article she authored for The Telegraph.
Why it matters
The alliance could jeopardize Red Sea shipping, a vital route for global trade.
How this story developed
- Aug 28 Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey launch Mecca Defence Alliance, secretariat set in Riyadh
- Sep 21 Prime Minister Andy Burnham has authorized British aircraft to provide defensive air-to-air refuelling for Saudi jets fighting Houthi rebels in Yemen.
- Sep 21 Prime Minister Andy Burnham said he agreed to Saudi Arabia's request for defensive air-to-air refuelling while travelling to New York for a United Nations General Assembly meeting.
- Sep 22 Burnham announced the decision while traveling to the UN General Assembly.
- Sep 22 The United States declined to conduct direct kinetic strikes against the Houthis.
- Sep 22 UN agencies warned that displacement could rise to over 230,000 if the fighting continues.
- Sep 24 The Houthis seized the port city of Mocha and nearby Bab al‑Mandab positions.
- Sep 25 Foreign minister Hakan Fidan announced willingness to meet the kingdom’s technical military needs.
- Sep 25 The UK moved from earlier talks to a formal agreement to provide the Voyager tanker.
- Sep 25 Trump publicly voiced support for Saudi self‑reliance against Houthi attacks.
- Sep 26 UN Security Council issued a condemnation of Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia.
- Sep 27 Government forces launched intensified air and ground attacks in Taiz province.
- Sep 27 France announced a military mission to Saudi Arabia.
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