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: Grenade attack targets government compound in Aden
Horn of Africa: Kenyan airstrikes in Bardhere injure two; AMISOM takes over Afgoi corridor; al Shabaab reportedly beheads woman in Bay region; ASWJ and TFG forces clash in Mataban district; dozens of suspected al Shabaab fighters arrested in Galkayo; man fires on bus in Mogadishu; two candidates enter race for parliament speaker as more parliamentarians approved
Yemen Security Brief
- Masked men reportedly threw hand grenades at a government compound in al Mualla neighborhood in Aden on August 22. Three grenades hit the compound, but there were no casualties, according to a local security official.[1]
Horn of Africa Security Brief
- Kenyan airplanes conducted airstrikes on the outskirts of Bardhere in Gedo region, injuring two children, on the afternoon of August 23 according to reporting from Garowe Online. Al Shabaab, which has bases in the area, did not comment on the attack.[2]
- AMISOM has assumed the security of the Afgoi corridor between Afgoi and Mogadishu in Lower Shabelle according to reporting from August 22. Transitional Federal Government (TFG) troops formerly were responsible for securing the area.[3]
- Ahlu Sunna wa al Jama’a (ASWJ) official Yonis Mo’alin reported that al Shabaab beheaded a woman in Awdinle town in Bay region after removing her from a bus on the way to Baidoa.[4]
- ASWJ and TFG troops fought each other in violent clashes in Mataban district in Hiraan region on August 22. The reasons for the conflict are unknown, though as of August 23 the fighting was ongoing and both forces were deploying reinforcements.[5]
- Puntland Security Forces arrested dozens of suspected al Shabaab militants carrying firearms and explosives in the city of Galkayo in Mudug region on August 22.[6]
- A man dressed as a TFG soldier opened fire on a bus in eastern Mogadishu on August 22, killing three civilians and wounding one. Security forces were unable to apprehend the attacker.[7]
- Two members of the new Federal Parliament announced that they will run in the election for parliament speaker scheduled for August 26. Abdirizak Jurile, former Telecommunications and Post Minister, declared his intention to run on August 22. Mohamed Sheikh Osman Jawari announced that he would be a candidate on August 23. Both men have said that they wish to reform the parliament. Meanwhile, some of the proposed parliamentarians originally rejected by the Technical Selection Committee (TSC) have been approved to assume office.[8]
[1] “Grenade Attack Hits Gov’t Compound in Yemen’s Aden,” Xinhua, August 22, 2012. Available: http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/world/2012-08/23/c_131801624.htm
[2] “Somalia: Airstrikes injure two children in Gedo region,” Garowe Online, August 23, 2012. Available: http://www.garoweonline.com/artman2/publish/Somalia_27/Somalia_Airstrikes_injure_two_children_in_Gedo_region.shtml
[3] “AMISOM Forces take over the security of Afgoye corridor,” Shabelle Media Network, August 22, 2012. Available: http://shabelle.net/amisom-forces-take-over-the-security-of-afgoye-corridor
[4] “Al shabab is accused of beheading a woman in a rebel-held town,” Shabelle Media Network, August 23, 2012. Available: http://shabelle.net/al-shabab-is-accused-of-beheading-a-woman-in-a-rebel-held-town
[5] “Gov’t troops clash with Ahlu Sunna fighters in central Somalia,” Shabelle Media Network, August 23, 2012. Available: http://shabelle.net/govt-troops-clash-with-ahlu-sunna-fighters-in-central-somalia/
[6] “Puntland forces seize suspected Al shabab agents with weapons,” Shabelle Media Network, August 22, 2012. Available: http://shabelle.net/puntland-forces-seize-suspected-al-shabab-agents-with-weapons
[7] “Gov’t soldier opens fire on civilian Bus, kills 3,” Shabelle Media Network, August 22, 2012. Available: http://shabelle.net/govt-soldier-opens-fire-on-civilian-bus-kills-3
[8] “Another Prof. declares his candidacy for parliament’s top seat,” Bar Kulan, August 23, 2012. Available: http://www.bar-kulan.com/2012/08/23/another-prof-declares-his-candidacy-for-parliaments-top-seat
“Prof. Jurile declares his interest in Parliament’s top seat,” Bar Kulan, August 22, 2012. Available: http://www.bar-kulan.com/2012/08/22/prof-jurile-declares-his-interest-in-parliaments-top-seat
“TSC says controversy over rejected MPs resolved,” Bar Kulan, August 23, 2012. Available: http://www.bar-kulan.com/2012/08/23/tsc-says-controversy-over-rejected-mps-resolved
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