Gulf of Aden Security Review

Yemen: UN-led talks to find political solution for Yemen’s government break down; Ansar al Sharia clashes with military in Shabwah; Ansar al Sharia clashes with military in Hadramawt

Horn of Africa: Cleric killed by unknown gunmen in Baidoa, Bay region; IED attack on Puntland official in Mudug region

Yemen Security Brief

• UN-brokered talks to solve Yemen’s current political crisis broke down on January 2 as al Houthis rejected a proposal to have parliament vote on President Abdu Rabbu Mansour Hadi’s resignation and multiple political parties withdrew from talks. It is unclear if talks will resume before an al Houthi-imposed deadline of February 4 for talks to end.[1]

• Ansar al Sharia attacked a military barrack in Azzan, Shabwah, southern Yemen on February 3. One soldier died in the attack. Militants clashed with security forces following the attack.[2]

• Ansar al Sharia targeted a military encampment in al Qatan, Hadramawt with three improvised explosive devices (IEDs) on February 2. Ansar al Sharia militants proceeded to attack the camp following the detonation of the explosives.[3]

Horn of Africa Security Brief

• Unidentified gunmen killed a cleric aligned with Ahlu Sunna wa al Jama’a inside a mosque in Baidoa, Bay region on February 2. A spokesman for Ahlu Sunna wa al Jama’a claimed that the unknown gunmen were al Shabaab members and called for vengeance.[4]

• Unidentified militants detonated an IED targeting a Puntland official in Galkayo, Mudug region, on January 3. The official escaped unharmed.[5]