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: AQAP militants fight al Houthi gunmen in al Bayda; civilians gather to protest al Houthi presence in Sana’a; Southern Movement organizes protests in Hadramawt; Opposition coalition issues statement to President Hadi
Horn of Africa: Somalia National Army forces clash with al Shabaab militants in Hiraan region; Somalia security forces conduct security operations in Bakool region; Jubbaland security forces arrest four suspected al Shabaab militants in Gedo region
Yemen Security Brief
- Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) militants continued to clash with al Houthi gunmen in Rada’a, al Bayda on October 21. Separately, AQAP militants moved forces near the al Houthi-controlled cities of Udain, Ibb, and al Hudaydah on October 21.[1]
- Civilians gathered in Sana’a on October 21 to protest the continued presence of armed, al Houthi militias in Sana’a, Dhamar, Ibb, and al Hudaydah. The protestors also called on President Abdu Rabbu Mansour Hadi to take responsibility for the security situation in the country.[2]
- Southern Movement supporters protested in al Mukalla, Hadramawt on October 21, demanding Southern independence from Sana’a.[3]
- Yemen’s opposition bloc, Joint Meeting Parties (JMP), a coalition that includes the al Islah Party, wrote a letter to President Hadi on October 21, stating that they will support, but not participate in, Yemen’s new government.[4]
Horn of Africa Security Brief
- Somali Nation Army (SNA) forces clashed with al Shabaab militants, reportedly killing seven militants, near Beledweyne, Hiraan region on October 21.[5]
- Somali security forces conducted security operations in Hudur, Bakool region, arresting dozens of suspected al Shabaab militants, on October 21.[6]
- Jubbaland security forces reportedly arrested four suspected al Shabaab militants in Dolow, Gedo region on October 21. The militants were allegedly planning attacks in the area.[7]
[1] “Renewed clashes between al-Qaeda and the Houthis in Rada and its environs,” Barakish, October 21, 2014 [Arabic]. Available: http://barakish.net/news02.aspx?cat=12&sub=23&id=224096
“Source: al Qaeda dominated areas stretching from the eastern province of Ibb to the outskirts of al Hudaydah,” al Masdar, October 21, 2014 [Arabic]. Available: http://almasdaronline.com/article/63114
“Promote the spread of al-Qaeda in Udain and information about the infiltration of fighters to the city of Ibb,” Barakish, October 21, 2014 [Arabic]. Available: http://barakish.net/news02.aspx?cat=12&sub=23&id=224108
[2] “March in Sanaa to reject presence of armed militias in the cities and for President Had to take responsibility,” al Masdar, October 21, 2014 [Arabic]. Available: http://almasdaronline.com/article/63121
[3] “Southerners in Hadramawt begin a sit-in demanding the independence of their country,” Aden al Ghad, October 21, 2014 [Arabic]. Available: http://adenalghad.net/news/128805/#.VEZ3dWddXTo
[4] “Joint declares its readiness not to participate in the new government,” Aden al Ghad, October 21, 2014 [Arabic]. Available: http://adenalghad.net/news/128793/#.VEZ3x2ddXTo
“Who’s who in Yemen’s opposition,” al Jazeera, February 28, 2010. Available: http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/spotlight/yemen/2011/02/2011228141453986337.html
[5] “Seven Al Shabaab militants killed near Beled Weyn,” Bar Kulan, October 21, 2014. Available:
[6] “Government force in hudur arrests dozens in dawn operations,” October 21, 2014. Available: http://goobjoog.com/english/?p=5166
[7] “Four detained in Dolow for suspected terror attacks,” Bar Kulan, October 21, 2014. Available:
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