Al-Shabaab Modernizes Its Forces as Somalia Faces a Deepening Political Crisis

Mogadishu (WDN) A new report indicates that Al-Shabaab is quietly strengthening and modernizing elements of its fighting force through military training in Yemen, raising fresh concerns about the group’s ability to adapt while Somalia’s Federal Government remains consumed by constitutional and electoral disputes.

According to a report by Century International, between 120 and several hundred Al-Shabaab fighters have reportedly received training in Yemen. The instruction included small-arms use, explosives and basic drone operations.

The findings suggest that the relationship between Al-Shabaab and Yemen’s Houthi movement has evolved beyond weapons exchanges and logistical contacts toward military training and the transfer of operational knowledge. Some Al-Shabaab fighters are reportedly traveling to Yemen in small groups, while previous UN assessments have also documented members of the group traveling there for military training.

The development is significant because Al-Shabaab appears increasingly interested in capabilities that could help it adapt to modern battlefield conditions—particularly the growing use of drones and air operations by Somali government forces and their international partners.