Gulf of Aden Security Review - October 13, 2009

Yemen: Germany warns Yaha al-Houthi against undertaking anti-government activities; Abdul Malik al-Houthi asserts possibility of northern secession; UNHCR convoy distributes humanitarian assistance to 2,000; Yemeni government asks Sa'ada province citizens to relocate to camps

Horn of Africa: Al-Shabaab controls areas of Mogadishu formerly under Hizb al-Islam; Sufi Islamist group Ahlu Sunna Waljama seizes explosive-filled vehicle in central Somalia; French repel pirate attack on tuna trawlers

Yemen Security Brief�

• Germany warned former MP Yaha al-Houthi that if he undertakes any activities against any state or if he violates refugee or resident law, he would be stripped of his right to political asylum. This warning also went out to various political activists and journalists connected to Yaha al-Houthi.[1]

• Abdul Malik al-Houthi, the leader of the al-Houthi insurgency, said that if current government policy persists, secession of areas under the al-Houthi rebels' control is possible. He said that in order for negotiations to begin, the war has to end. In addition, Abdul Malik al-Houthi criticized the West for not stepping up more to end the government's "unjust measures" against its people.[2]

• A UNHCR aid convoy carrying humanitarian assistance for some 2,000 people arrived in Sa'ada province. The convoy, which started its trip in Saudi Arabia, was carrying tents, bedding, jerry cans, and hygiene items and a second convoy is expected to deliver more goods. It is estimated that 150,000 Yemenis have been displaced by the fighting in the north since it began in 2004.[3]

• The Yemeni government accused the al-Houthi rebels of using civilians as human shields, and the Yemeni Supreme Security Committee has called on civilians in Sa'ada province to relocate to four specified locations considered relatively safe. In addition, the committee said that the National Committee for Relief would secure aid-corridors to the Khaiwan, al-Mazrak, Alab, and Sa'ada camp so that humanitarian assistance can reach those who have been displaced.[4]

Horn of Africa Security Brief

• Al-Shabaab has taken over areas of Mogadishu previously controlled by Hizb al-Islam, whose motivations for withdrawing from them remain unclear. In addition, twenty Hizb al-Islam fighters defected to the government with a battle wagon in Mogadishu.[5]

• Ahlu Sunna Waljama, an Islamist group in central Somalia, reports that it has seized a vehicle filled with explosives destined for the Galgadud region. Additionally, an Islamic court under the authority of Ahlu Sunna Waljama sentenced four men to a year in prison each for "wrecking havoc" in the area. [6]

• Somali pirates attacked two French tuna trawlers that are part of a ten-strong tuna fleet protected by over sixty marines. A source describing the pirates' attack said that the skiffs traveled underneath a blue tarpaulin, likely for camouflage. The French repelled the attack, which was similar to one on Saturday - those captured on Saturday were later released for "lack of proof."[7]

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