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 claim to repel Saudi ground forces in Hajjah

Horn of Africa: ASWJ militants remain in control of capital of Galgadud amid calls for their withdrawal

Yemen Security Brief

  • Al Houthi sources reportedly claimed that they repelled an attempt from Saudi military forces to enter Harad, Hajjah, on June 8. This is the first report of Saudi ground forces taking offensive action along the Saudi-Yemeni border since the beginning of the Yemen conflict in late March.[1]

Horn of Africa Security Brief

  • A spokesman for the Ahlu Sunna wa al Jama’a (ASWJ) militant group rejected calls for the group to withdraw from Dhusamareb, the capital of Galgadud region which the militants seized on June 7. UN Special Representative to Somalia Ambassador Nicolas Kay urged ASWJ militants to withdraw from Dhusamareb and engage in dialogue.[2] 

[1] “First ground incursion of Saudi forces in Yemen,” al Tagheer, June 9, 2015 [Arabic]. Available: http://al-tagheer.com/news80077.html
“Houthis declare opposition to first ground incursion by Saudis into Yemen,” Hour News, June 9, 2015 [Arabic]. Available: http://hournews.net/news-43728.htm
“Yemen… raids in Sana’a and Sa’ada and Houthis talking about Saudi ground incursion,” Arabic RT, June 9, 2015 [Arabic]. Available: http://arabic.rt.com/news/785340-%D8%AA%D9%88%D8%BA%D9%84-%D8%A8%D8%B1%D9%8A-%D8%B3%D8%B9%D9%88%D8%AF%D9%8A-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%8A%D9%85%D9%86-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AD%D9%88%D8%AB%D9%8A%D9%88%D9%86/
[2] “Somalia: Paramilitary gropu refuses to step back amid calls for dialogue,” Garrowe Online, June 9, 2015. Available: http://www.garoweonline.com/page/show/post/2859/somalia-paramilitary-group-refuses-to-step-back-amid-calls-for-dialogue
“UN envoy calls Islamist militia to withdraw from central town,” Horseed Media, June 9, 2015. Available: http://horseedmedia.net/2015/06/09/somalia-un-envoy-calls-islamist-militia-to-withdraw-from-central-town/
View Citations
TIMELINE
Arrow down red
Jul '15
Jun '15
May '15