Gulf of Aden Security Review - April 1, 2015

Yemen: Saudi-led airstrikes continue to target al Houthi and al Houthi-allied military units in Yemen; suspected Saudi airstrike destroys factory in al Hudaydah

Horn of Africa: Ahlu Sunna wa al Jama’a prevents AMISOM forces from reaching town in Galgudud region; security forces increase their presence in Mogadishu

Yemen Security Brief

• Saudi-led airstrikes continued to target al Houthi forces and military units loyal to former President Ali Abdullah Saleh throughout Yemen on March 31. Reported airstrikes targeted al Daylami Airbase in the capital, Sana’a, the 33rd Armored Brigade’s al Jirba military camp in al Dhaleh city, al Dhaleh, an unspecified air-defense camp in Ma’rib, a bridge in Haradh, Hajjah, and al Houthi sites in Mawiyah, Taiz. Airstrikes also targeted al Houthis sites in Marwan, Sa’ada and Sa’ada Airport on April 1.[1]

• A suspected Saudi airstrike destroyed a factory in al Hudaydah city, al Hudaydah on April 1 killing a reported 37 civilians and wounding 80. The factory is reportedly next to a military camp of pro-Saleh troops. There are unconfirmed rumors that it was actually a missile from the pro-Saleh forces that hit the factory.[2]

Horn of Africa Security Brief

• Ahlu Sunna wa al Jama’a (ASWJ) militia prevented African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) troops from traveling to Adado, Galgudud region on March 31. While there was no fighting, the road was blocked by ASWJ fighters. The AMISOM troops were on their way to secure the town prior to regional elections being held there. ASWJ has declared that they are boycotting the elections.[3]

• Security forces in Mogadishu closed a number of roads in the capital and increased their presence on April 1. Officials would not comment on the increased security. Security forces have struggled to prevent al Shabaab attacks in the city in recent months.[4]