Gulf of Aden Security Review - April 29, 2015

Yemen: Al Houthi militants clash with popular resistance fighters in Aden; al Houthis seize outskirts of Ma’rib city, Ma’rib; Mohammad bin Nayef named as Saudi Crown Prince

Horn of Africa: Kenyan police prevent al Shabaab attack on government office in North Eastern Province, Kenya

Yemen Security Brief

• Al Houthi militants clashed with popular resistance fighters in Khormaksar, Aden on April 29. The al Houthis reportedly made gains in the district despite continued Saudi-led airstrikes. Thirty people have died in the clashes, including a reported 12 civilians.[1]

• Al Houthi militants reported that they had reached the outskirts of Ma’rib city, Ma’rib on April 28 after prolonged clashes with tribesmen in Sirwah, Ma’rib. The al Houthis also claimed to have secured the Sana’a-Ma’rib road passing through the area.[2]

• Saudi Arabia’s king Salman bin Abdul Aziz named Mohammad bin Nayef Crown Prince in place of Muqrin bin Abdul Aziz, who had reportedly requested to step down. Nayef is the Interior Minister of Saudi Arabia and heavily involved in the country’s counter-terrorism operations.[3]

Horn of Africa Security Brief

• Kenyan police prevented al Shabaab militants from attacking the governor’s office in Wajir, North Eastern Province on April 29. One of the suspects was arrested while two escaped and are being pursued by police.[4]