Gulf of Aden Security Review - September 29, 2009

Yemen: The Yemeni military continues to attack al-Houthi rebel positions in the north; fighting between southern separatists and security forces continues in Abyan province; Deputy Foreign Minister Ali Muthana appealed for increased assistance from the international community for Somali refugees; trial of Somali pirates opened in Yemen

Horn of Africa: Hizb al-Islam and al-Shabaab continue to argue over the administration of Kismayo and move troops into the city; the OIC appealed to the UN Security Council for a UN peacekeeping presence in Somalia and the closure of Somalia's seaports; Germany will back France's efforts to train Somali soldiers in Djibouti; shelling in Mogadishu kills at least eleven people and injures over thirty more

Yemen Security Brief

• The Yemeni military continues to fire artillery at rebel positions in the north, concentrating on Harf Sufyan in Amran province and the northern outskirts of Sa'ada city.� A military source reported that twenty-nine rebels were killed yesterday in battles with the Yemeni army, including al-Houthi rebel leader Abdullah Ali al-Qallat.� Journalists have not been permitted into the combat zones since the "Scorched Earth" offensive began.[1]

• Fighting continues in Abyan between the southern separatists and security forces.� Separatists broke into a building, forced the guards out, and handed the compound over to southern officers.� This occurred after security forces arrested a citizen.� Reinforcements from the Central Security Forces have arrived in Zunjbar, the capital of the government, to address the recent clashes.[2]

• Yemen called on the international community to increase its efforts in assisting Somali refugees.� Deputy Foreign Minister Ali Muthana spoke at the UN High Commission for Refugees in Geneva and called attention to the number of illegal migrants attempting to enter Yemen across the Gulf of Aden from the Horn of Africa.� New camps in Somalia would address part of this issue, as well as an emphasis on vocational and technical training for refugees to deter them from taking up arms.[3]

• The trial of twelve Somali pirates accused of hijacking a Yemeni oil tanker in April has begun in a Yemeni court.� Two crew members were killed during the hijacking.� The prosecutor has asked for the death penalty for the hijacking and for committing acts of banditry.� The trial has been adjourned until October 6 due to the absence of translators.[4]

Horn of Africa Security Brief

• Hizb al-Islam and al-Shabaab continue to disagree over the administration of Kismayo, an important port-city in the south, following al-Shabaab's announcement of a new administration.� According to the original agreement from 2008, al-Shabaab was to govern for the first six months, at which point Hizb al-Islam was to assume authority.� Both groups have brought troops into the city and there are reports that the troops are making defensive preparations.� Residents have begun to leave the city in order to avoid being caught in the crossfire.[5]

• The Organization of the Islamic Conference called on the UN Security Council to authorize the deployment of a UN peacekeeping force to Somalia, to which OIC states would provide troops and other assistance.� In addition, the OIC applauded the efforts of AMISOM and asked for further support from AU member states for the mission.� Finally, the OIC recommended imposing a blockade on seaports to prevent the entry of arms and foreign fighters into the country.[6]

• Franz Josef, German Defense Minister, said that he backs French efforts to train Somali troops, and Spain has added that it might also take part in the training.� 115 German troops are already present in Djibouti taking part in the U.S.-led anti-terrorism mission, Operation Enduring Freedom.� France will train around 500 soldiers in addition to the 150 soldiers already trained.[7]

• At least eleven people were killed and more than thirty others injured during the shelling of Bakara market in Mogadishu.� The shelling started when people were at work and has forced businesses to close.[8]

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