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: Operation Golden Arrow forces near liberating Lahij; local popular resistance fighters advance in Taiz
Horn of Africa: AMISOM recalls Marka commander
Yemen Security Brief
- Operation Golden Arrow forces stated that they are near liberating the entirety of Lahij governorate in southern Yemen. The most recent territorial gains occurred on August 4 after Operation Golden Arrow forces retook control of 10 separate villages following the al Houthi’s loss of al Anad Airbase and much of their heavy weaponry on August 3. A spokesman from the Saudi-led coalition stated that forces will seek to liberate Abyan after securing Lahij.[1]
- Yemen’s interior minister stated on August 4 that local popular resistance forces were in control of approximately 75 percent of Taiz city after prolonged conflict against the al Houthi movement. Taiz is the third largest city in Yemen and would serve as a key strategic point for Saudi-led coalition troops to advance north.[2]
Horn of Africa Security Brief
- The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) released a statement on August 4, announcing that the mission would not withdraw its troops from Marka, Lower Shabelle region, despite local elders’ requests, but that it has recalled Marka’s unit commander. Ugandan AMISOM troops are accused of killing civilians in Marka on July 31 in retaliation for an improvised explosive device (IED) detonation targeting an AMISOM convoy earlier that day.[3]
[1] “Anti-Houthi fighters score more gains in south Yemen,” Reuters, August 5, 2015. Available: http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/08/05/us-yemen-security-idUSKCN0Q91NI20150805
“Officials: Pro-Government Troops Take Much of Yemen Province,” The New York Times, August 5, 2015. Available: http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2015/08/05/world/middleeast/ap-ml-yemen.html?_r=0
“Operation Golden Arrow forces will liberate Abyan after securing Lahij,” Barakish, August 5, 2015. [Arabic] Available: http://www.barakish.net/news02.aspx?cat=12&sub=23&id=356307
[2] “Yemen loyalist forces advance in Taez,” al Arabiya, August 5, 2015. Available: http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2015/08/05/Pro-Hadi-forces-in-control-of-75-percent-of-Yemen-s-Taez.html
[3] “AMISOM recalls unit commander in Marka 4 questioning following 35 civilian killings,” Radio Dalsan, August 4, 2015. Available: http://www.radiodalsan.com/2015/08/04/amisom-recalls-unit-commander-in-marka-4-questioning-following-of-35-civilian-killings/
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