Gulf of Aden Security Review

Yemen: 1,200 prisoners escape from central prison in Taiz city; Hadi’s government delivers mechanism for UNSCR 2216 implementation to UN envoy

Horn of Africa: AMISOM forces withdraw from base near Marka, Lower Shabelle region

Yemen Security Brief

• Approximately 1,200 prisoners escaped from the central prison in Taiz city after militants loyal to ex-President Ali Abdullah Saleh freed them amidst clashes with local Popular Resistance forces within the city, although other media outlets have provided conflicting reports that local Popular Resistance fighters may have been responsible for the release. It is believed that members of al Qaeda were amongst those who escaped.[1][2]

• The government of President Abdu Rabbu Mansour Hadi delivered an initiative to UN Special Envoy to Yemen, Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, outlining a mechanism for the full implementation of UNSCR 2216. This initiative comes during Ahmed’s efforts to draft a preliminary agreement between the al Houthis and the government of President Abdu Rabbu Mansour Hadi ahead of a possible second round of Geneva peace talks.[3]  

Horn of Africa Security Brief

• Local reporting indicates that African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) troops have withdrawn from their base in Buufow, on the outskirts of Marka, Lower Shabelle region for unknown reasons. The withdrawal comes days after AMISOM troops withdrew from bases in Lego and Tortorow, citing tactical reasons.[4]