Gulf of Aden Security Review – December 23, 2022

Yemen: Pro-STC media claims STC–backed forces attack an Islah checkpoint in Shabwah governorate; AQAP detonates another IED targeting STC backed forces in Abyan governorate; Houthi officials reiterate their preconditions for a truce extension

Somalia: Anti-al Shabaab forces secure last al Shabaab–controlled town in the Middle Shabelle region; US-trained forces probe al Shabaab positions in the Galgadud region with US drone support; South West State security forces attack opposition clan militia in Baidoa; al Shabaab kills an SNA major general in roadside IED attack in south-central Somalia; UN Security Council delays first ATMIS drawdown until June 2023

Yemen Security Brief:

Southern Transitional Council (STC)–backed forces attacked an Islah-backed forces checkpoint in Arin, Arma district, Shabwah governorate, southern Yemen, on December 22.[i] Pro-STC media claimed the STC-backed forces reportedly mortared Islah-backed camps after Islah-backed forces did not heed a 48-hour eviction notice.[ii] The two sides exchanged several rounds of mortar fire and pro-STC media claimed the Islah-backed forces withdrew from the area.[iii]

Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) detonated an improvised explosive device (IED) targeting STC-backed Security Belt Forces near Wadi Omran, Mudiya district, Abyan governorate, southern Yemen, on December 22.[iv] The attack wounded four soldiers. AQAP also targeted STC-backed forces in a roadside IED attack on December 21.[v]

High-ranking Houthi officials reiterated previous demands on salary provisions and the opening of ports and airports during discussions with an Omani delegation on December 21 and 22 in Sana’a. Chief Houthi negotiator Mohammed Abdul Salam emphasized the need to separate and prioritize the “humanitarian file” on December 21.[vi] Houthi Supreme Political Council head Mahdi al Mashat reiterated that “there can be no truce” if the Saudi-led coalition does not meet Houthi demands and that “Houthi patience is not endless” during discussions on December 22.[vii]

Somalia Security Brief:

Somali National Army and local militia secured Run Nirgood, Adan Yabal district, Middle Shabelle region, south-central Somalia, on December 22.[viii] The town was the last al Shabaab-controlled town in the Middle Shabelle Region. It functions as a gateway town into the Galgadud region.

US-trained Danab forces cleared a gathering of al Shabaab fighters with US drone support near El Ba’ad, El Dhere district, Galgadud region, north-central Somalia, on December 23. Somali officials claimed the operation killed at least 67 militants and destroyed one camp.[ix] US Africa Command later claimed it killed six militants in a self-defense strike in the area.[x] El Ba’ad is one mile from the Middle Shabelle border.

South West State (SWS) security forces attacked political opposition clan militia in Baidoa, Bay Region, on December 23. Tensions between opposition candidates and the incumbent SWS President Abdiaziz Laftagareen had risen in recent weeks after the opposition candidates refused to recognize the SWS parliament’s extension of Laftagareen’s until December 19, 2023.[xi] Security forces loyal to Laftagareen attacked the house of a former Somali finance minister and candidate in the SWS presidential elections.[xii] Clan militia were reportedly staying at the house.[xiii] The clashes killed at least two civilians and injured at least seven others.[xiv] The opposition candidates condemned the attack and urged the federal government and African Union forces to ensure impartial security in the town.[xv] The Somali Federal Government urged mediation between the two sides.[xvi] It is unclear if a reconciliation meeting between Laftagareen and several opposition candidates that was scheduled for January 5, 2023, will proceed.[xvii]

Al Shabaab detonated a roadside improvised explosive device (IED) targeting an SNA convoy between Mahaday and Burane, Jowhar district, Middle Shabelle region, south-central Somalia, on December 22.[xviii] The attack killed a major general and four other bodyguards.

The UN Security Council delayed the first phase of the African Union Transitional Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) drawdown on December 21.[xix] The move pushes the stalls the drawdown for another six months until June 30, 2023.