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 gunmen attack Shabwah Defense Forces checkpoint; US Special Envoy for Yemen travels to Saudi Arabia and Oman to build on UN truce; UN Special Envoy to Yemen briefs UN Security Council on renewed diplomatic momentum
Somalia: Al Shabaab targets government officials in SVBIED attack in southwestern Somalia
Yemen Security Brief
Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) gunmen targeted a 5th Shabwani Defense Forces Brigade checkpoint with small arms and grenades at the al Safra point, Bayhan district, Shabwah governorate, Yemen on March 14.[i] The Shabwah Defense Forces reported that the AQAP gunmen killed three soldiers.[ii] AQAP claimed that they killed four Shabwah Defense soldiers.[iii]
The US State Department announced that US Special Envoy for Yemen Tim Lenderking traveled to Saudi Arabia and Oman on March 14 to “build on the UN-mediated truce” with local and international partners.[iv]
UN Special Envoy to Yemen Hans Grundberg briefed the UN Security Council on the state of the Yemeni conflict on March 15.[v] Grundberg described “renewed regional diplomatic momentum” and urged the belligerent parties to build on the recent Saudi-Iranian deal which restored diplomatic ties between Saudi Arabia and Iran.
Somalia Security Brief
Al Shabaab launched a suicide vehicle-borne improvised explosive device attack targeting government officials in Bardhere district, Gedo region, southwestern Somalia, on March 14.[vi] The attacker drove the vehicle into a guesthouse where government officials had gathered to discuss anti-al Shabaab operations.[vii] Somali press outlets reported the attack killed at least nine people and injured 11 others, including the Gedo governor.[viii] Al Shabaab claimed they killed at least 13 people and injured 20 others.[ix]
[i] Mareb Press, “Soldiers of the “Shabwa Defense” were killed in an armed attack targeting a military post,” March 14, 2023, https://marebpress.net/news_details.php?lang=arabic&sid=191076
[ii] Twitter, Shabwa Defense Forces, March 14, 2023 https://twitter.com/QShbwt/status/1635537059317178374
[iii] SITE Intelligence Group, AQAP Claims killing 4 in Attack on Shabwa Defense Forces, March 15, 2023, https://ent.siteintelgroup.com/Jihadist-Threat-Statements/aqap-claims-killing-4-in-attack-on-shabwa-defense-forces.html
[iv] US Department of State Office of the Spokesperson, “US Special Envoy for Yemen Lenderking’s Travel to Oman and Saudi Arabia,” March 14, 2023, https://www.state.gov/u-s-special-envoy-for-yemen-lenderkings-travel-to-oman-and-saudi-arabia-2/
[v] Michelle Nichols, “UN sees renewed momentum toward Yemen peace spurred by Saudi, Iran deal,” March 15, 2023, Reuters, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/un-says-renewed-momentum-toward-peace-yemen-spurred-by-saudi-iran-2023-03-15/
[vi] Caasimada, “Al-Shabaab targets Somalia officials in deadly attack,” March 14, 2023, https://www.caasimada.net/al-shabab-targets-somalia-officials-in-deadly-attack/
[vii] Caasimada, “Al-Shabaab targets Somalia officials in deadly attack”
[viii] AP News, “Witnesses say extremist attack in Somalia kills at least 9,” March 14, 2023, https://apnews.com/article/somalia-extremism-05c1f660e008a17bcc6460b4d01d6eff?utm_source=iterable&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=6395032_; Caasimada, “Al-Shabaab targets Somalia officials in deadly attack”
[ix] SITE Intelligence Group, “Shabaab Claims Preemptive Strike on Somali Officials in Coordinated Suicide Bombing and Mortar Shelling in Bardhere,” March 14, 2023, Available by subscription at https://ent.siteintelgroup.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=46704:shabaab-claims-preemptive-strike-on-somali-officials-in-coordinated-suicide-bombing-and-mortar-shelling-in-bardhere&catid=14&acm=1472_45743
