The Somali operatives behind Al-Shabaab-Houthi ties

Mogadishu, Somalia — Two Somali operatives have emerged as key figures in the expanding relationship between Al-Shabaab and Yemen’s Houthis, helping facilitate weapons procurement, military training and contacts across the Gulf of Aden, according to separate investigations.

Jibril Yahya Ali, known as Gacaamey or “One-Armed”, operated in Yemen as an Al-Shabaab liaison with Houthi commanders. Sheikh Ahmed Elmi Samatar later became a more senior envoy involved in weapons requests and training arrangements.

Their roles are detailed in a Wall Street Journal investigation and a separate Century International report , which provide some of the clearest accounts of how contacts between the two militant groups developed.

US and Somali officials have also described growing cooperation involving weapons, drone technology and military training.