Gulf of Aden Security Review

A regularly updated review of both Yemen and the Horn of Africa covering topics related to security, governance, and militant activity.

Yemen: ISIS Wilayat Sana’a militants detonate VBIED in Sana’a; sources allege AQAP and ISIS militants infiltrating Zinjibar, Abyan

Horn of Africa: AMISOM retreats from Awdheegle

Yemen Security Brief

  • The Islamic State in Iraq and al Sham (ISIS) Wilayat Sana’a detonated a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) targeting an al Houthi-controlled building in the capital, Sana’a, on August 13. The blast did not result in any casualties.[1]
  • Local anonymous sources in Abyan governorate alleged on August 14 that militants from both al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) and ISIS-linked fighters have started entering Abyan’s capital, Zinjibar, and are taking over some government buildings. Abyan was recently liberated from the al Houthis by the Saudi-led coalition Operation Golden Arrow and popular resistance forces.[2]

Horn of Africa Security Brief

  • African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) troops retreated from Awdheegle, Lower Shabelle region, on August 13, after their operation designed to retake the town from al Shabaab failed. Al Shabaab seized Awdheegle in early July as part of its Ramadan offensive in the Lower Shabelle region.[3]

[1] “VBIED in Jawar house northeast of capital and no casualties,” al Masdar, August 13, 2015 [Arabic]. Available: http://almasdaronline.com/article/74326
[2] “Extremists in control of government buildings in Zinjibar, south Yemen, and news about return of al Fadhli and Balaydi to the city,” al Masdar, August 14, 2015. Available: http://almasdaronline.com/article/74331
[3] “AU forces retreat from Awdheegle,” Twitter, August 13, 2015. Available: https://twitter.com/Daudoo/status/631873288642396160
“Clashed in Awdheegle after AMISOM attempts to retake town,” Twitter, August 13, 2015. Available: https://twitter.com/Daudoo/status/631815127055122433
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