Yemen: Ansar al Sharia militants clash with al Houthis in al Bayda; Shabwah tribes create armed force to defend governorate; security forces fight with tribesmen in Hadramawt

Horn of Africa: Kenyan police arrest al Shabaab recruiter in Coast province

Yemen Security Brief

  • Ansar al Sharia militants clashed with al Houthi militants in Dhi Na'im, al Bayda on February 18. Twelve al Houthis and two Ansar al Sharia members died in the fighting.[1]
  • Local tribes in Shabwah governorate led by the Awlaki tribe announced on February 19 that they have gathered a force of 3,000 men to provide security for the area and will not allow any outside militia to enter the governorate. The tribal declaration also rejected the al Houthi control of Sana’a and demanded the release of President Abdu Rabbu Mansour Hadi from house arrest.[2]
  • Tribal militants fought with security forces protecting a Chinese oil company in Daw’an, Hadramawt on February 19. Eight soldiers died in the fighting.[3]

Horn of Africa Security Brief

  • Kenyan police arrested a man they believe to be an al Shabaab recruiter and financier in Lamu, Coast province on February 18. Police allege that the suspect was also planning attacks in Mombasa and Nairobi.[4]
[1] “12 al Houthis killed in attack in al Bayda,” al Masdar, February 18, 2015 [Arabic]. Available: http://almasdaronline.com/article/68247
[2] “Yemeni tribes announce preparation of 3,000 men to protect Shabwah from armed militias,” al Masdar, February 19, 2015 [Arabic]. Available: http://almasdaronline.com/article/68265
“Shabwah tribes close border with al Bayda and refuse al Houthi leadership,” al Tagheer, February 19, 2015 [Arabic]. Available: http://al-tagheer.com/news77013.html
[3] “Eight soldiers killed during clashes in Daw’an,” al Motamar, February 19, 2015 [Arabic]. Available: http://www.almotamar.net/news/121217.htm
“Eight dead in attack on soldiers guarding oil company in Hadramawt,” al Watanye, February 19, 2015 [Arabic]. Available: http://alwatanye.net/81873.htm
[4] “Kenya Probes Suspected al Shabaab Financier,” Bar Kulan, February 19. Available: http://www.bar-kulan.com/2015/02/19/kenya-probes-suspected-al-shabaab-financier/
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