Iran Accused of Building Terror Network in Africa to Threaten Red Sea Shipping
Translated & summarized from Israel Hayom by baba
Senior intelligence officials warn Iran is building a terror network in the Horn of Africa, potentially threatening Red Sea shipping lanes via the Bab el-Mandeb strait. The network allegedly recruits the Al-Afhar tribe, with members trained by Houthis and Iranian experts. Hamas has also signaled interest in African operations against Israel, naming Libya and Sudan as potential bases. Meanwhile, Houthi attacks in Yemen continue, including a recent drone strike on Aden airport.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Iran is allegedly establishing a new terror network in the Horn of Africa to threaten Red Sea shipping.
- The network reportedly recruits the Al-Afhar tribe across Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Djibouti.
- Hundreds of tribal youth have allegedly been trained by Houthis and Iranian experts in Yemen.
- Hamas has indicated interest in establishing operations in Libya and Sudan against Israel.
- Houthis recently launched drone and missile attacks on Aden airport in Yemen.
- The Bab el-Mandeb strait is identified as a key strategic area for Iran's expansion.
Senior intelligence officials are warning that Iran is attempting to establish a new terror outpost in the Horn of Africa, modeled after Hezbollah and other Shiite militias. This move, according to the officials speaking to Gulf media, aims to exploit a perceived power vacuum in the region, potentially endangering international shipping lanes in the Bab el-Mandeb strait. The intelligence suggests Iran is recruiting an African tribe, the Al-Afhar, whose members reside in Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Djibouti. Iran is reportedly infiltrating these communities, exploiting marginalized groups to create an armed force with a specific ideology, thereby expanding its influence over the Bab el-Mandeb and the Red Sea.
These efforts are said to have begun over a decade ago, with intensified cooperation between the Houthis and the Al-Afhar tribe from 2022 to 2024, including joint smuggling networks. Hundreds of young tribesmen have allegedly undergone training in Yemen by the Houthis and Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps experts. The training reportedly focused on operating speedboats, disrupting maritime navigation, and operating drones.
Meanwhile, Hamas has also expressed interest in African operations against Israel. A statement from the military wing's spokesperson indicated Libya and Sudan as potential future support bases, drawing parallels to Yemen, Lebanon, Iraq, and Iran. The statement suggested that opening a "western front" could be a strategic move against Israel, especially following the October 7th attacks.
The article also details ongoing Houthi escalations in Yemen, including drone and missile attacks on Aden's airport, which the Yemeni government condemned as a dangerous escalation. The Saudi-led coalition reported intercepting a ballistic missile targeting a base in Saudi Arabia. Clashes continue around Taiz and Marib in Yemen, with reports of advances by pro-Saudi forces.