Update on Security Situation in Somalia and Yemen

December 12, 2014

Gulf of Aden Security Review

Yemen: AQAP attacks military checkpoint in central Ma’rib; Ansar al Sharia attacks al Houthis in northeastern Rada’a

Horn of Africa: Puntland security forces drive over a roadside IED planted by suspected al Shabaab militants in Bari region; suspected MRC separatists assassinate a Kenyan policeman in Kenya’s Coast Province

Yemen Security Brief

Suspected al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) gunmen attacked a military checkpoint in al Arqin, central Ma’rib on December 12, resulting in an unknown number of casualties. AQAP most recently attacked a military convoy in the same area on December 5.[1]

Ansar al Sharia militants attacked a checkpoint belonging to al Houthi militants in northeastern Rada’a, al Bayda on December 12, resulting in five deaths. AQAP and al Houthi militants have been engaged throughout the week in battles for control of areas in northern Rada’a.[2]

Horn of Africa Security Brief

Suspected al Shabaab militants detonated a roadside improvised explosive device (IED) targeting Puntland security forces on December 12, near Boosaaso, Bari region, killing three and wounding four others.[3]

Suspected Mombasa Republican Council (MRC) separatists shot and killed a Kenyan police man, and wounded two more, in Kilifi in Kenya’s Coast Province on December 12. The outlawed MRC holds alleged ties to al Shabaab.[4]

[1] “Militants attack military checkpoint in Ma’rib and casualties reported,” Barakish, December 12, 2014 [Arabic]. Available:http://www.barakish.net/news02.aspx?cat=12&sub=23&id=266326

“Militants attack military barrack in Ma’rib,” Mareb Press, December 12, 2014 [Arabic]. Available: http://marebpress.net/news_details.php?sid=105709

[2] “Five killed in attack on al Houthi checkpoint in Rada’a,” Barakish, December 12, 2014. Available: http://www.barakish.net/news02.aspx?cat=12&sub=23&id=266334

[3] “Somalia: Roadside bomb attack kills three Puntland soldiers in Galgala,” Garowe Online, December 12, 2014. Available:http://www.garoweonline.com/page/show/post/1187/somalia-roadside-bomb-attack-kills-three-puntland-soldiers-in-galgala

[4] “One policeman killed, two wounded in attack on Kenya coast camp,” Reuters, December 12, 2014. Available: http://uk.reuters.com/article/2014/12/12/uk-kenya-attacks-idUKKBN0JQ0AC20141212

Samuel Zaungu, “Police launch manhunt after gang attacks AP camp in Kilifi,” Daily Nation, December 12, 2014. Available:http://www.nation.co.ke/counties/Kilifi/Kilifi-AP-Police-Post-Attack/-/1183282/2553452/-/105f3kr/-/index.html