Gulf of Aden Security Review

Yemen: Two kidnapped Chinese oil workers confirmed freed in Shawba; clash between government and secessionists injures five in Lahij province

Horn of Africa: British commandos sink two pirate boats after raid; supporters of Somali PM protest throughout Mudug; Sweden arrests man plotting attack in Somalia

Yemen Security Brief

• Captors released two Chinese oil workers whom they kidnapped Monday in Shawba province.[1]

• A clash between Yemeni forces and southern secessionists in Lahij injured five, including two soldiers. Armed men attempted to break through a security cordon established in the wake of last week’s assassination attempt on the deputy prime minister.[2]

Horn of Africa Security Brief

• British Royal Navy commandos sunk two pirate boats after capturing their mother vessel off the Somali coast. The commandos seized weapons and fuel and then set the pirates free with only the means to return to the Somalia.[3]

• Supporters of Somali Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Sharmarke gathered throughout the Mudug region to demonstrate in his defense after the president announced the formation of a new government.[4]

• Sweden arrested Somali man for allegedly plotting attacks in Somalia.  Police estimate about 20 people have left Sweden to join the Somali insurgency.[5]