Gulf of Aden Security Review – March 29, 2023

Yemen: STC-backed soldiers dismantle likely AQAP roadside IED in Abyan

Somalia: Al Shabaab attacks military bases in southwestern and central Somalia; US and Turkish-trained special forces secure multiple villages in north-central Somalia

 

Yemen Security Brief

Soldiers from the Southern Transitional Council (STC)-backed 1st Support and Reinforcement Brigade dismantled a likely al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) roadside improvised explosive device (IED) in the al Mahfad district, eastern Abyan governorate, southern Yemen on March 29.[i]

Somalia Security Brief

Al Shabaab launched a complex attack with mortars and small arms targeting a Somali National Army (SNA) base in Bar Sangunni, Kismayo district, Lower Jubba region, southwestern Somalia, on March 29.[ii] Al Shabaab claimed they overran the base and killed 17 soldiers.[iii]

Al Shabaab attacked an SNA military base in Bardhere, Beledweyne district, Hiraan region, southwestern Somalia, on March 29.[iv] Al Shabaab claimed they overran the base, killed 15 soldiers, wounded 12 others, and destroyed two vehicles.[v] The SNA and local fighters claimed they repelled the attack.[vi]

The SNA, Turkish-trained Gorgor special forces, and US-trained Danab special forces secured multiple villages around Gal’ad, El Dheere district, Galguduud region, north-central Somalia, on March 29.[vii]