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: AQAP warns Muslims to avoid areas with Emirati-backed security forces; UN official discusses al Hudaydah redeployments with al Houthi representatives
Horn of Africa: Al Shabaab holds Eid al Fitr celebrations in southern and central Somalia; Kenyan security forces reinforce Somali border following al Shabaab attack
Yemen Security Brief
Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) released a statement on June 5 warning Muslims in Shabwah governorate in southern Yemen to avoid gatherings or positions of Emirati-backed Yemeni security forces in order to avoid AQAP attacks.[1]
Chairman of the UN’s Redeployment Coordination Committee Michael Lollesgaard met with al Houthi representatives to discuss the withdrawal of al Houthi forces from three Red Sea ports in governorate on June 4. Al Houthi representative Mohammad al Qadri claimed that al Houthi forces have withdrawn all military equipment from al Hudaydah port in accordance with the UN-brokered Stockholm Agreement. The UN has not confirmed the withdrawal of military equipment.[2]
Horn of Africa Security Brief
Al Shabaab hosted Eid al Fitr celebrations in multiple towns under its control in Middle Jubba region in southern Somalia and in Galgudud region in central Somalia on June 4. Al Shabaab official and preacher Fuad Mohamed Qalaf AKA Shongole led ceremonies in town in Middle Jubba region.[3]
Kenyan security forces sent reinforcements to the Kenya-Somalia border and intensified patrols in the area on June 4. Al Shabaab militants attacked Kenyan police near the Somali border in County in northeastern Kenya on June 3, killing one police officer.[4]
[1] “AQAP Warns Muslims in Shabwah from Approaching Potential Military Targets,” SITE Intelligence Group, June 4, 2019, https://ent.siteintelgroup.com/Statements/aqap-warns-muslims-in-shabwa-from-approaching-potential-military-targets.html, and Elisabeth Kendall, Twitter, June 5. 2019, https://twitter.com/Dr_E_Kendall/status/1136179571513090048.
[2] “In their meeting with the chief observer...Houthis call on United Nations to operate the ports of Hodeidah and inspect vessels,” al Masdar, June 4, 2019, https://almasdaronline.com/articles/168239.
[3] “Shabaab Photographs Eid all-Fitr Celebrations in Held-Territories, claims 25 Casualties Among Kenyan Forces in Mandera,” SITE Intelligence Group, June 5, 2019, English translation available by subscription at www.siteintelgroup.com; Harun Maruf, Twitter, June 4, 2019, https://twitter.com/HarunMaruf/status/1135947889807634433; Harun Maruf, Twitter, June 4, 2019, https://twitter.com/HarunMaruf/status/1136021651748007937; and “Al-Shabaab Commander pictured leading Idd-ul-Fitr celebrations,” Hiiraan, June 5, 2019, http://www.hiiraan.com/news4/2019/Jun/164188/al_shabaab_commander_pictured_leading_idd_ul_fitr_celebrations.aspx.
[4] “Government intensifies police patrols along Kenya, Somalia border,” Radio Kulmiye, June 5, 2019, https://radiokulmiye.net/2019/06/05/government-intensifies-police-patrols-along-kenya-somalia-border/.
