Gulf of Aden Security Review - September 7, 2012

Yemen: Al Houthi rebels seize government infrastructure in Amran governorate; Yemeni security forces clash with secessionist protesters in southern port city of Aden

Horn of Africa: A grenade attack kills one civilian and wounds at least three more in Baidoa town in Bay region; AMISOM armored personnel carrier is struck by a roadside bomb in Mogadishu; al Shabaab militants ambush a joint AMISOM-Somali base in Lower Shabelle region; largest mass arrest ever conducted in Mogadishu captures at least 323 suspects; al Shabaab releases four communiqués claiming attacks and distributing aid to civilians

Yemen Security Brief

• Al Houthi rebels clashed with al Qaflat Othar tribes in Amran governorate on September 6. Al Houthi rebels seized five schools, a medical center, and a police station following the clashes. Al Houthi rebels also destroyed several homes and water wells and set up numerous checkpoints in Amran governorate.[1]

• Yemeni security forces clashed with secessionist protesters in Aden on September 6. An unnamed Yemeni security official reported that three civilians were wounded in the clashes. According to local sources in Aden, secessionist protesters attempted to free fellow secessionist members from the central jail in Aden; however, Yemeni security forces were able to defend the area.[2]

Horn of Africa Security Brief

• A grenade attack killed one civilian and wounded at least three more in Baidoa town in Bay region on September 6. The hand grenade was reportedly thrown at Somali government troops near the Unay junction in Baidoa. Local police chief Mahad Abdiraham blamed the attack on al Shabaab militants and reported that the suspected assailants were arrested.[3]

• Local sources in Mogadishu reported on September 7 that an AMISOM armored personnel carrier (APC) was struck by a remote-detonated roadside bomb near the ex-control Balad road. According to local witnesses, the APC was severely damaged. AMISOM has not reported casualty figures from the attack.[4]

• Al Shabaab militants ambushed a joint AMISOM-Somali base in Badade in Lower Shabelle region on September 6. The base is reportedly controlled by Kenyan military forces serving with AMISOM and Somali Transitional Federal Government (TFG) troops. Local residents reported witnessing heavy gunfire and explosions. Hasan Muktar, a Somali TFG soldier, reported that AMISOM and Somali TFG forces were able to repel the attack. Five individuals were killed in the ambush; however, it is unclear if the casualties are soldiers or civilians.[5]

• The largest mass arrest ever conducted in Mogadishu resulted in the detainment of at least 323 people on September 7. The joint operation conducted by Somali national security forces and local police was targeting al Shabaab militants and freelance soldiers in the Hamar Jabjab district of Mogadishu. Banadir Commander Col. Khalif Ahmad Ereg reported that most of the arrested suspects are teenagers.[6]

• Al Shabaab militants released four communiqués on jihadist forums on September 5. Al Shabaab militants claimed ten attacks on AMISOM and Somali forces, killing a spy in Heliwa district in Mogadishu, and killing five Ethiopian soldiers in Beledweyne district of Hiraan region. Al Shabaab also reportedly distributed aid to civilians in residential areas of Moqokori district in Hiraan region.[7]