Gulf of Aden Security Review - September 25, 2015

Yemen: President Hadi travels to New York to address the UN General Assembly; Amnesty International calls for a human rights investigation in Yemen

Horn of Africa: Al Shabaab militants in Somalia ambush a Kenyan Defense Convoy in Dhamase village, Gedo region

Yemen Security Brief

• Yemeni President Abdu Rabbu Mansour Hadi left Aden on September 25 to travel to New York City, where he will address the UN General Assembly. Hadi will speak about the current situation in Yemen, including proposed negotiations to end the conflict. He is expected to reiterate the Yemeni government’s condition that the al Houthis accept UNSCR 2216 before peace talks can proceed. The terms of UNSCR 2216 require the al Houthis and their allies to disarm, withdraw from seized territory, and recognize the legitimacy of the Hadi-led government.[1]

• Amnesty International released a statement on September 25 calling for the United Nations to investigate human rights violations committed by all participants in the Yemen conflict. According to UN estimates, more than 4,500 people have been killed in Yemen since the Arab coalition’s airstrike campaign began in March. Amnesty criticized all involved parties for causing high civilians casualties and exacerbating the country’s humanitarian crisis. Amnesty also alleged that the Saudi-led coalition has used cluster bombs, which are prohibited under some international agreements.[2]

Horn of Africa Security Brief

• Al Shabaab militants ambushed a Kenyan Defense Forces (KDF) convoy as it was traveling through Dhamase village, in Somalia’s Gedo region. The attack, which occurred on September 25, resulted in a clash with both sides sustaining casualties, although specific figures are not available at present.[3]