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: al Houthi militants and Sunni tribesmen transfer checkpoints to army in Sana’a; gunmen kill soldiers in al Bayda

Horn of Africa: al Shabaab attacks AMISOM base in Mogadishu; Ahlu Sunna wa al Jama’a vows to support AMISOM in fight against al Shabaab

Yemen Security Brief

  • Al Houthi militants and Sunni tribesmen turned over 24 checkpoints to the Yemeni army in Arhab district in Sana’a governorate on February 11, in accordance with a ceasefire agreement signed February 9.[1]
  • Two gunmen riding a motorcycle shot and killed two Yemeni soldiers from the 139th Infantry Brigade in Rada’a city in al Bayda governorate on February 10.[2]

Horn of Africa Security Brief

  • Al Shabaab militants attacked an AMISOM base in the Heliwa district of Mogadishu on February 11. Although AMISOM forces successfully repelled the attackers, reports indicate that at least one civilian was killed and four others injured during the clash.[3]
  • An Ahlu Sunna wa al Jama’a (ASWJ) official, Sheikh Ibrahim Sheikh Hasan Gureeye, announced on February 11 his group’s intention to support AMISOM forces, particularly the Ethiopian contingent, in their offensive against al Shabaab. Ethiopian forces then advanced into and stationed troops in ASWJ-administered Guriel district in Galgudud region on February 12.[4]    

[1] “Presidential committee announces that Yemeni army has taken over 24 sites from Islah and Houthi fighters in Arhab and announces the names of those sites,” al Watanye, February 12, 2014 [Arabic]. Available: http://www.alwatanye.net/77260.htm
[2] “Two soldiers killed and a civilian wounded by gunmen's bullets in downtown Rada'a,” al Motamar, February 11, 2014 [Arabic]. Available: http://www.almotamar.net/news/114972.htm
[3] “Al-Shabab ambush AMISOM base in Mogadishu,” Somali Current, February 11, 2014. Available: http://www.somalicurrent.com/2014/02/11/al-shabab-ambush-amisom-base-in-mogadishu/
“Al Shabab fighters ambush AMISOM convoy in Mogadishu,” Dalsan Radio, February 12, 2014. Available: http://dalsanradio.com/articles/3844/Al-Shabab-fighters-ambush-AMISOM-convoy-in-Mogadishu
[4] “Pro-government militias promise collaborating with Ethiopian forces for defeating Shabab,” al Shahid Network, February 11, 2014. Available: http://english.alshahid.net/archives/40659
“SOMALIA: Ethiopian forces pour into Guriel town, central Somalia,” RBC Radio, February 12, 2014. Available: http://www.raxanreeb.com/2014/02/somalia-ethiopian-forces-pour-into-guriel-town-central-somalia/
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