Thursday April 10, 2025
In this December 2023 photo, people trained by the Houthis hold up their guns and Palestinian flags while chanting slogans during an armed popular parade held in Al-Sabeen Square in Sana'a, Yemen. Mohammed Hamoud/Getty Images/File
Somalia is located in a very strategic location crucial not only for the success of the ongoing operations to contain Houthis and deter their attacks on trade vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, but also to protect Somalia's natural resources and destroy Houthi bases in Somalia and their reported influence in the region. Furthermore, due to proximity, Somalia can play a pivotal role in the operation by providing both human resources and military bases for the coalition. Thus, Somalia benefits from this operation and helps protect global order and security.
Somalia's Potentiality
Somalia has a well-trained army capable of carrying out well-thought-out and robust operations against Houthis. In particular, the Somali
Special Force, better known as Danab, possesses powerful competence and skills in combating terrorists. Furthermore, they have accumulated knowledge about terrorists and the way they orchestrate attacks, including IEDs and suicide bombings. Over the past decade, Danab has created numerous training camps with competent trainers, supported by the U.S. government. Such military prowess enables the rapid training of new brigades to meet operational demands.
Existing Knowledge
The Somali army has enhanced its competence through collaboration with AFRICOM over the past decades as a result of its war against terrorists.
Additionally, with the support and collaboration of AFRICOM, Danab has developed strong cooperation and shared strategies in fighting terrorists. As a result, it will be easier to conduct operations against Houthis in collaboration with AFRICOM.
Houthis in Somalia
Houthis reportedly have bases in the Sanaag region, specifically in the Golis Mountains along the coastline. Houthis are believed to operate missile development facilities in the Golis Mountains. There was a missile test reportedly launched by Houthis from Harshaw in Sanaag to Taleh in the Sool region—a distance of 459 km.
Houthis in the Golis Mountains conceal their identity, impersonating Al-Shabaab militants to mislead and intimidate the local populace. This tactic is intended to prevent resistance from local communities, who may otherwise oppose their presence.
Natural Resources
Houthis are stationed in the mountains to support their counterparts in the Red Sea and exploit local natural resources, primarily gold mining.
The local community, which also mines gold but with less capacity, is exploited by Houthis, who purchase the mined gold at significantly lower prices. Somalia must therefore actively participate in this operation by contributing sufficient military forces and bases to protect its natural resources, contribute to global security, and expel Houthis from Somali territory. Such actions will also deter other terrorist groups from considering Somalia as a potential haven.
About Houthi Influence
Over the past few years, Houthis have developed strong connections within the region, assessing local dynamics, understanding how to influence communities, and establishing strategic positions within the security environment.
They have gradually built the required competence and capability for achieving strategic dominance, including developing and testing missiles before conducting attacks.
Therefore, it is in Somalia's interest to take a leading role in operations against Houthis to ensure regional stability and global security.
Major Abdirahman O. Warsame is the former Commander of Somalia’s elite Danab Special Forces (Jeeniqaar).