Gulf of Aden Security Review

Yemen: Houthis threaten new attacks against Saudi Arabia’s energy industry; Houthis launch nine drones targeting energy facilities in southern Saudi Arabia

Somalia: Al Shabaab SVEST and SVBIED target a polling center in central Somalia; al Shabaab ambushes Jubbaland State Security Forces in southern Somalia; al Shabaab raids a Kenyan AMISOM base in southern Somalia

Yemen Security Brief:

The Houthi deputy foreign minister threatened to conduct attacks against Saudi Aramco export facilities in Abqaiq, Ras Tanura, and Khurais on March 24.[i]

The Houthis launched nine drones targeting energy and water infrastructure in southern Saudi Arabia on March 25.[ii] Saudi Arabia claimed they intercepted the drones, but videos on social media showed Aramco facilities on fire in Jeddah, western Saudi Arabia.[iii] The attack did not cause any casualties.

Somalia Security Brief:

Al Shabaab detonated a suicide vest (SVEST) and a suicide vehicle borne improvised explosive device (SVBIED) targeting a polling station in Lama Galaay Camp, Beledweyne, Hiraan region, central Somalia, on March 23.[iv] The al Shabaab SVEST targeted the polling station in the camp and the SVBIED targeted the first responders and the military reinforcements. Al Shabaab killed 48 people, including Member of Parliament (MP) Amina Mohamad Abdi and former MP Hassan Dhunhulow.

Al Shabaab ambushed Jubbaland State Security Forces convoy near Singaleer, Kismayo district, Lower Jubba region, central Somalia, on March 23.[v] Al Shabaab claimed they killed one soldier.

Al Shabaab raided a Kenyan African Union Mission in Somalia base in Kuday, Badhadhe district, Lower Jubba region, southern Somalia, on March 23.[vi] Al Shabaab claimed they killed two soldiers.