Gulf of Aden Security Review - December 10, 2013

Yemen: Dutch journalist freed; Japan donates $5.6 million; U.S. Charge d’Affaires in Sana’a

Horn of Africa: Kenya creates new command to fight terrorism; explosives recovered in Kismayo; hand grenade attack kills one in Afgoi, Lower Shabelle

Yemen Security Brief

• The Dutch government reported the release of a reporter and her partner, who were both kidnapped in Yemen on June 8. Both were released unharmed.[1]

• Saba News Agency reported a contribution of $5.6 million targeted specifically for, “food-insecure IDPs” in Yemen by Japan. A ceremony took place in Sana’a to mark Japan’s contributions, which have totaled nearly $30 million.[2]

• U.S. Charge d’Affaires in Yemen, Karen Sasahara, met with Chief of General Staff Major General Ahmed Ali al Ashwal in Sana’a on December 9. The two discussed the ongoing cooperation between the U.S. and Yemen, and the U.S. continued support for the Yemeni transition. Sasahara offered her condolences on behalf of the attacks on the Defense Ministry.[3]

Horn of Africa Security Brief

• Militants ambushed a Kenyan police patrol near Kulan along the Dadaab-Liboi road near the Kenya-Somalia border. The gunmen killed at least eight people, including five police officers. Two officers have been reported missing.[4]

• Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta established the Nairobi Metropolitan Command within the Kenyan Defense Forces on December 9. The new command is responsible for emerging security threats in Kenya.[5]

• Jubba Administration security forces recovered over 200 explosive devices in Via Afmadow neighborhood of Kismayo city in Lower Jubba region on December 9. Jubba Security and Internal Affairs Minister Mohamed Warsame Darwish reported that the explosives included bombs, landmines, and hand grenades.[6]

• A hand grenade attack in Afgoi district in Lower Shabelle region killed a woman and injured two other people on December 9. The motive for the attack is not known.[7]