Gulf of Aden Security Review

Yemen: Eritrea took four Yemeni fishing boats and their crew into custody, burning two other boats; Saudi Arabia to continue its offensive against the al Houthi rebels; the U.S. has said it seeks broader security cooperation with Yemen; U.S. Ambassador to Yemen discussed freedom of the press concerns with recently convicted editor-in-chief of al Masdar, Samir Jubran

Horn of Africa: An attack on Somalia’s police chief in Galkayo injured at least sixteen; Somali businessmen deny ship captured by pirates loaded with weapons; reported agreement between legislator and Hizb al Islam official to coordinate actions in southern Somalia; Sheikh Abdurrahman Maow left Hizb al Islam for more moderate Ahlu Sunna Waljamaa; two kidnapped Kenyans freed and returned to Nairobi

Yemen Security Brief

• Eritrean authorities seized four Yemeni fishing boats and burned two others.  The two boats belonged to fishermen from the Thubab district in Taiz and were burned with their cargo still onboard.  The other four boats, along with their crews, are in the custody of the Eritrean navy.  In addition, three Yemeni boats along with their 14 crew members are now in Saudi custody.[1]

• Saudi Arabia has announced that it will continue its offensive against the al Houthi rebels until they retreat from the Saudi border.  Both sides claim to have control over territory along the border.[2]

• Jeffrey Smith, the Director of Planning in the US Joint Chiefs of Staff and the head of the American side of the second Yemeni-American General Staff Talks, has said that the U.S. seeks broader cooperation with Yemen to ensure its security and stability.[3]

• The American Embassy in Sana’a reaffirmed its support for a free press in Yemen.  The U.S. Ambassador to Yemen, Stephen Seche, met with Samir Jubran, editor-in-chief of al Masdar to discuss the recent ruling by the Special Court for Press and Publications against Jubran and Munir al Mawiri, a Yemeni-American journalist.  The Ambassador underscored the importance of a responsible and independent media within a democratic society.[4]

Horn of Africa Security Brief

• Unknown attackers hurled hand grenades at the convoy of Somalia’s police chief as it was passing by the southern end of Galkayo, the capital of the central Galgudud region.  Witnesses report that the target of the attack was General Abdi Hassan Awale “Qeybdid,” but that the assailants only succeeded in injuring six security guards.  At least ten civilians were injured after security guards indiscriminately opened fire following the attack.  A second report states that the attackers hurled the grenades at the Embassy Hotel in Galkayo, where the police chief was staying, and that about twenty-three people were injured in the blast.[5]

• Somali businessmen have denied that the U.A.E.-flagged cargo ship captured by Somali pirates was carrying weapons.[6]

• An undisclosed report states that there is an agreement between Somali legislator Barre Hirale and Sheikh Ahmed Madobe, a leader in Hizb al Islam, to fight against Islamist factions in southern Somalia.  In addition, there will be negotiations between Sheikh Ahmed Madobe and the Somali governments in Bay and Bakool regions.  Sheikh Ahmed Madobe has lobbied for a joint force with Somali government troops.[7]

• Hizb al Islam has confirmed that Sheikh Abdurrahman Maow has joined the more moderate Ahlu Sunna Waljamaa.  Previously, Maow had changed allegiances from the government to Hizb al Islam.[8]

• Kidnappers have freed the two Kenyans who were kidnapped Sunday from Mogadishu’s Bakara market.  The two Kenyans returned to Nairobi.[9]