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.

April 16, 2015

Yemen: Ansar al Sharia clashes with 27th Mechanized Infantry Brigade in Hadramawt; 35th Brigade continues clashes with pro-al Houthi forces in Taiz; unidentified militants assassinate security officer in al Hudaydah

Horn of Africa: Security forces arrest suspected al Shabaab militants in Morogoro region, Tanzania

Yemen Security Brief

  • Ansar al Sharia militants clashed with the 27th Mechanized Brigade near Rayyan Airport, al Mukalla, Hadramawt, on April 16. The Hadhrami tribal alliance is reportedly fighting with the 27th Mechanized Brigade against Ansar al Sharia forces.[1]
  • Tribal forces allied with the 35th Armored Brigade clashed with al Houthi and al Houthi-allied forces in Taiz city, Taiz on April 16. [2]
  • Unidentified militants assassinated deputy director of political security in al Hudaydah city, al Hudaydah. The militants were reportedly riding a motorcycle, which is consistent with past assassinations performed by Ansar al Sharia targeting security officials.[3]

Horn of Africa Security Brief

  • Tanzanian security forces arrested ten suspected al Shabaab members in a raid on a mosque in Kilombero district, Morogoro region, Tanzania on April 14. One additional suspect was lynched by a mob while being pursued by police. Tanzanian police announced that the suspects were in possession of explosives when they were arrested.[4]
 
[1] “al Mukalla: clashes between al Qaeda and military brigade near al Rayyan airport,” Barakish, April 16, 2015 [Arabic]. Available: http://barakish.net/news02.aspx?cat=12&sub=23&id=322101
[2] “Heavy fighting erupts in city of Taiz,” Reuters, April 16, 2015. Available: http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/04/16/us-yemen-security-fighting-idUSKBN0N71ET20150416
“35th Armored Brigade receives reinforcements in Taiz,” Barakish, April 15, 2015 [Arabic]. Available: http://barakish.net/news02.aspx?cat=12&sub=23&id=312118
“Renewed fighting between Special Security Forces and 35th Armored Brigade in Taiz,” Barakish, April 16, 2015 [Arabic]. Available: http://barakish.net/news02.aspx?cat=12&sub=23&id=322098
[3] “PSO officer assassinated in al Hudaydah,” 26sep, April 16, 2015 [Arabic]. Available: http://26sep.net/news_details.php?lng=arabic&sid=112231
“Two unidentified gunmen assassinate PSO officer in al Hudaydah,” al Masdar, April 16, 2015 [Arabic]. Available: http://almasdaronline.com/article/70857
[4] Fumbuka Ng’wanakilala, “Update 1 – Tanzanians lynch suspected Somali militant, police arrest 10 others,” Reuters, April 15. Available: http://af.reuters.com/article/somaliaNews/idAFL5N0XC4HL20150415
View Citations
TIMELINE
Arrow down red
May '15
Apr '15
Mar '15