U.S. Africa Command has warned that Yemen’s Houthi rebels are seeking to establish a new operational foothold in Somalia, a move that could expand attacks on maritime traffic and increase risks for American forces stationed in the Horn of Africa.

A larger Houthi presence in Somalia might complicate protection of key shipping lanes through the Gulf of Aden, creating potential strike points from both sides of the waterway.

Intelligence assessments suggest Houthi operatives may already be embedded with al-Shabab militants in northern Somalia, offering the group access to territory, shelter and logistical support.

The partnership could enhance al-Shabab’s capacity to target U.S. personnel, including those at Camp Lemonnier in Djibouti, the primary U.S. hub for east African operations.

An AFRICOM official, speaking under anonymity, noted that the alliance “improves al-Shabab’s ability to threaten U.S. forces in the area and interests in East Africa.”

U.S. officials also fear the Houthis could supply al-Shabab with advanced weapons, drone technology and technical expertise that could be used against American interests.

The development coincides with a broader U.S. drawdown of MQ-9 Reaper drones from Somalia, where they have been used for surveillance and strike missions against militant networks.

Recent reports indicate several Reapers have been reassigned to South American operations targeting drug trafficking organizations.

The Congressional Research Service confirmed that 45 Reaper drones have been lost since the conflict began in late February, though exact figures remain subject to operational security restrictions.

AFRICOM has declined to disclose specific locations of remaining aircraft or future deployment plans.

The loss of persistent surveillance capabilities could hinder monitoring of both al-Shabab activities and Houthi movements, limiting situational awareness across the region.

Earlier testimony before Congress by former AFRICOM commander General Michael Langley had flagged the possibility of Houthi attacks on U.S. facilities in Djibouti if hostilities escalate.

While the full scope of Houthi involvement in Somalia remains uncertain, U.S. defense officials continue to assess the strategic implications of an emerging axis between Yemen’s rebels and Somali extremist groups.