Critical Threats
Friday, December 28, 2012
Horn of Africa Security Brief
Somali police conducted security operations in Mogadishu, Banadir region on December 27. The searches were concentrated in the Hamar Weyne, Waberi, Hoban and Dharkenley districts of the city. Fifteen suspects were arrested during the operation. Additionally, six AK-47’s, two pistols, and two cars were also confiscated during the raids.[12]
A grenade attack occurred in Mandera, Kenya on December 27. The grenade was thrown at a night club filled with non-locals who were out celebrating Boxing Day. Bar Kulan reported one civilian injury and Radio Mustaqbal reported eight civilian and Kenyan troop deaths. No arrests have yet been made and the reason behind the attack is not known.[13]
The Kenya-based Muslim Youth Center posted a message to its English-language blog on December 26, celebrating its accomplishments in 2012. The message praised those young people who joined the jihad in East Africa. The message also declared triumph in making Kenya a “legal war zone,” and said it will continue to recruit young people to its efforts in Somalia, Yemen, Nigeria, and Mali.[14]
An al Shabaab officer was found dead in Elbur, Galgudud region on December 26. Sheikh Hassan Abu Hudeyfa was killed after a disagreement with other al Shabaab militants over how much money would be taken from local villages.[15]
Somali Interior Minister, Abdikarin Hussein Guled, has given al Shabaab militants 100 days to surrender to Somali or AMISOM troops. If al Shabaab soldiers surrender within 100 days they will be allowed to reintegrate into society without any repercussions.[16]
A group of representatives from the Somali government will arrive in Kismayo, Lower Jubba region on December 27. The delegation will contain Justice Minister, Abdullahi Ebyan, Defense Minister Abdihakim Haji Mohamud Fiqi, Interior Minister Abdikarin Hussein Guled and Information Minister Abdullahi Alimoge Hirsi. The Somali government representatives will meet with leaders in Kismayo to discuss security in the city.[17]
A meeting between security leaders in the Hiraan region was held in Beledweyne, Hiraan region on December 27. During the meeting it was decided that security operations should be held in all parts of Beledweyne. Additionally, Somali troops will soon begin training offered by African Union forces in the region.[18]
A delegation from the Somali government will arrive in the central Somali region of Galgudud on December 27. The government representatives will meet with leaders from the Ahlu Sunna wa al Jama’a militia, who are currently controlling the region. Ahlu Sunna wa al Jama’a has said they are fully part of the Somali government and are welcoming the Somali government delegation warmly.[19]
The Somali Parliament rejected the 2013 government budget put forth by the Somali Cabinet. Of the 154 parliament members in attendance, 54 voted yes, 70 voted no, and 30 abstained. The Somali Cabinet has 30 days to return an amended budget.[20]
[12] “Security Operation Conducted in Mogadishu, 15 Arrested,” Bar Kulan, December 27, 2012. Available: http://www.bar-kulan.com/2012/12/27/security-operation-conducted-in-mogadishu-15-arrested/
[13] “One Injured in Mandera Blast,” Bar Kulan, December 27, 2012. Available: http://www.bar-kulan.com/2012/12/27/one-injured-in-mandera-blast/
“Blast Killed 8 and Left Many More Injured in Mandera, Kenya,” Radio Mustaqbal, December 27, 2012. Available: http://www.mustaqbalradio.com/blast-killed-8-and-left-many-more-injured-in-manderakenya/
[14] “MYC Celebrates ‘Great Triumphs’ in 2012,” SITE Intelligence Group, December 26, 2012. Available at SITE.
[15] “Dead al Shabaab Officer Found in El Bur,” Radio Mustaqbal, December 26, 2012. Available: http://www.mustaqbalradio.com/dead-al-shabab-officer-found-in-el-buur/
[16] “Somalia Sets 100 Days for al Shabaab Militants to Surrender,” Shabelle, December 26, 2012. Available: http://shabelle.net/somalia-sets-100-days-for-al-shabab-militants-to-surrender/
[17] “Somali Government Delegation Arrive in Kismayo,” Bar Kulan, December 27, 2012. Available: http://www.bar-kulan.com/2012/12/27/somalia-government-delegation-to-visit-kismayo/
[18] “Security Meeting Held in Beledweyne,” Bar Kulan, December 27, 2012. Available: http://www.bar-kulan.com/2012/12/27/security-meeting-held-in-beledweyne/
[19] “Government Delegation to Visit Central Region,” Bar Kulan, December 27, 2012. Available: http://www.bar-kulan.com/2012/12/27/government-delegation-to-visit-central-region/
[20] Parliament Rejects 2013 Government Budget,” Bar Kulan, December 27, 2012. Available: http://www.bar-kulan.com/2012/12/27/parliament-rejects-2013-government-budget/
“Somali Parliament Sends proposed Budget Back to Government,” December 27, 2012. Available: http://shabelle.net/somali-parliament-sends-proposed-budget-back-to-governmentliament/