Aden Security: Attack on Investigation Department Is Over

People check the site of a suicide bombing in the southern port city of Aden, Yemen, May 23, 2016. REUTERS/Fawaz Salman
People check the site of a suicide bombing in the southern port city of Aden, Yemen, May 23, 2016. REUTERS/Fawaz Salman
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Aden Security: Attack on Investigation Department Is Over

People check the site of a suicide bombing in the southern port city of Aden, Yemen, May 23, 2016. REUTERS/Fawaz Salman
People check the site of a suicide bombing in the southern port city of Aden, Yemen, May 23, 2016. REUTERS/Fawaz Salman

Security forces in Yemen's temporary capital, Aden, announced that the militants' attack on the Criminal Investigation Department had been contained and the building is now under complete control after 24 hours of clashes. The militants are believed to be members of al-Qaeda.

Aden security stated that 20 soldiers and a number of civilians were killed during the attack and dozens others injured. Security forces also stated that 11 prisoners had been freed during the attack, however, one of the militants was arrested after he had been identified by one of the jail keepers.

The attack of Qaeda suspects resembles the times following the liberation of Aden from Houthi and Saleh where several assassinations and attacks took place. Since then, assassinations didn't stop, but they had been fewer ones due to security measures that stabilized the situation in the region. In addition, security forces had been able to establish their control on Aden through a series of arrests and high security measures.

However, observers stated that the attack unraveled security vulnerabilities in the city due to several armed forces hiding behind resistance facade and claiming control of several areas. This made it is easier for terrorist clusters to operate under the same mechanism.

Military and security analyst Brigadier General Thabet Saleh stated that the incident in Aden is not only a terrorist attack that ISIS rushed into claiming responsibility for. He told Asharq Al-Awsat that the attack is far more dangerous than people can imagine.

Saleh said that it was a planned and calculated attempt to shift the military and security power in Aden and the south to the forces of terrorism and corruption.

Analysts believe that the attack didn’t only aim to release prisoners, but it was also a response to all the recent successes of the security forces over Qaeda in Aden and nearby governorates Lahij and Abyan. They stated that recent achievements of the security forces were uncovering huge amounts of weapons, ammunition, and directed shells in one of Qaeda’s clusters in al-Mahfad district, east of Abyan.

Asharq al-Awsat spoke to several civilians who indicated that the bigger problem lies in the proliferation of arms in Aden which encourages outlaws to execute operations that could harm the country’s security and people’s interests, including terrorist attacks.

They added that a comprehensive security force should be established to manage Aden’s security, and performs the security and intelligence functions as well as directing the counter-terrorism force.

Citizens rely heavily on the joint coordination between the coalition and the legitimate forces in security matters.



Egypt’s Defense Minister Urges Military to Maintain ‘Combat Readiness’

The Commander-in-Chief of the Egyptian Armed Forces during a meeting with Special Forces paratroopers and commandos (Egyptian Military Spokesperson) 
The Commander-in-Chief of the Egyptian Armed Forces during a meeting with Special Forces paratroopers and commandos (Egyptian Military Spokesperson) 
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Egypt’s Defense Minister Urges Military to Maintain ‘Combat Readiness’

The Commander-in-Chief of the Egyptian Armed Forces during a meeting with Special Forces paratroopers and commandos (Egyptian Military Spokesperson) 
The Commander-in-Chief of the Egyptian Armed Forces during a meeting with Special Forces paratroopers and commandos (Egyptian Military Spokesperson) 

Egyptian Defense Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Abdel Majeed Saqr has called on the military to maintain “the highest levels of efficiency and combat readiness, enhance skill and physical fitness through continuous training, and preserve high morale so that the Armed Forces remain the nation’s strong shield.”

Saqr’s remarks came during a meeting with members of the Special Forces – paratroopers and commandos - attended by Armed Forces Chief of Staff Ahmed Khalifa and several senior commanders.

According to a statement by Egypt’s military spokesperson on Sunday, the visit was part of a series of meetings to assess the morale, combat efficiency, and readiness of the personnel, as well as their role in safeguarding national security.

Special Forces Commander Abdel Qader Amara Habib said that the troops work day and night to preserve the security and stability of the nation, pointing to “the strong support provided by the General Command to enable its soldiers to fulfill their duties with skill and competence as part of the Armed Forces’ integrated system.”

During the visit, Saqr conveyed President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s greetings and appreciation to the Special Forces fighters, affirming “the General Command’s recognition of the great efforts made by these men to protect the nation and safeguard its sanctities.” He also praised the “self-discipline of the Armed Forces personnel and their dedication to sacrificing whatever it takes to preserve Egypt’s resources and the welfare of its people.”

Two days ago, Saqr had met with soldiers of the Southern Military Zone, urging them to remain on high alert to carry out any mission under all circumstances. He also stressed the importance of ongoing awareness to keep up with developments and events on all levels.

Last week, the defense minister also met with troops from the Second Field Army, as part of ongoing efforts by the Armed Forces’ leadership to engage with soldiers and update them on the latest developments affecting Egypt’s national security.

In remarks at that time, Saqr reiterated the General Command’s commitment to caring for the individual fighter and improving combat performance so that personnel can execute all assigned missions efficiently under any conditions.