Yemen’s Houthi rebels trained between 120 and several hundred al-Shabab fighters in Yemen, according to a new Century International report.
The training included small-arms use, improvised explosive device production and basic drone operations, the report said, citing security officials and regional sources.
The findings offer new details about growing military cooperation between al-Shabab and the Houthis, which United Nations experts have monitored since 2024.
Century International’s report, titled From Spoke to Hub: The Houthis in Africa, is based on nearly 100 interviews and extensive documentary evidence.
Researchers interviewed military, security and intelligence officials and examined documents, phone records, satellite imagery, vessel data and maritime movements during the investigation.
Yemeni, Somali and other security officials estimated that between 120 and several hundred al-Shabab fighters received training at Houthi-controlled sites.
The estimate is higher than numbers previously documented by U.N. experts, who identified four groups traveling from Somalia to Yemen.
The U.N. panel said in November 2025 that each group contained about 30 al-Shabab fighters and traveled to Yemen during 2024.
One group departed Somalia in October 2024 from a natural port between Barawe and Homboy in Lower Shabelle, according to U.N. experts.
The fighters traveled to Mukalla before being taken to an area outside Hodeidah, where they received nearly two months of training.
The training included firearms, anti-aircraft weapons and improvised explosive devices, the U.N. panel said in its assessment.
Century International said three additional groups, each comprising 33 fighters, later traveled to Yemen, citing security officials and regional sources.
The report identified Ahmed Ilmi Samatar, a Somali man detained in Mukalla in 2024, as an important intermediary between al-Shabab and Houthis.
Century International described Samatar as an al-Shabab member who helped facilitate communication and movement between the two groups.
Interrogation records obtained by researchers indicate that Samatar traveled through al-Shabab-controlled areas, including Jilib, while coordinating Yemeni visitors.
The visitors reportedly included two Houthi military engineers who traveled to the Juba Valley to provide technical training to al-Shabab members.
The engineers trained fighters in IED production, drone modification and weapons maintenance, according to records cited by Century International.
Samatar also reportedly participated in discussions about weapons documentation and selecting fighters to receive training outside Somalia, the report said.
He told interrogators he helped facilitate travel for as many as 400 Somalis to Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen for training.
Century International cautioned that the figure did not mean all 400 were al-Shabab fighters or received military training there.
The report said al-Shabab’s interest in the Houthis is partly driven by its desire to strengthen defenses against aerial attacks.
Al-Shabab began establishing communication channels with the Houthis in early 2024 while seeking anti-aircraft weapons and drones, according to researchers.
Airstrikes have been a significant component of U.S. military operations against al-Shabab in Somalia for years.
The Houthis have extensive experience with missiles and drones and have downed several U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drones over Yemen.
Another U.N. report said al-Shabab has prioritized developing its weapons capabilities and spends roughly one-quarter of its operational finances acquiring weapons.
The report said those weapons come from the Houthis and al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula, an affiliate of al-Qaida.
However, Century International found no clear evidence that the Houthis have transferred their most advanced military capabilities to al-Shabab.
Researchers said there was no confirmed transfer of sophisticated drones or anti-aircraft missile systems capable of posing greater threats.
The U.N. Security Council reaffirmed sanctions against al-Shabab and extended authority to intercept vessels carrying weapons and military equipment.
The authority also covers components used to manufacture IEDs and remains in effect through Nov. 30, 2026, under the sanctions regime.
Century International concluded that the relationship has not yet resulted in confirmed transfers of the Houthis’ most advanced military capabilities.
But documented training indicates the relationship has moved beyond basic contacts and weapons trading toward military cooperation and technical expertise.