Security Belt Explained

Security Belt Forces
Native Name:قوات الحزام الأمني
Native Name Lang:Arabic
War:the Yemeni Civil War (2015-Present)
Ideology:Separatism
Leaders:Aidarus al-Zoubaidi
Size:13,000
Partof: Southern Movement
Allies: United Arab Emirates
Tihamah Resistance
National Resistance
Giants Brigades
Opponents: Houthis
Al Islah
AQAP
Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant – Yemen Province
Battles:Yemeni Civil War (2015-Present)

The Security Belt Forces (Arabic: قوات الحزام الأمني) is a paramilitary force based in Southern Yemen and forms the elite military wing of the Southern Transitional Council.[1] The force operates in the governorates of Aden, Lahij and Abyan and is trained and heavily supported by the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces.[2] The Security Belt has fought against Islah, al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula and the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant’s Yemeni branch.[3]

In the Battle of Aden (2018), Mount Hadid, which was under control of troops led by Major General Aidarus al-Zoubaidi, came under attack by pro-Hadi government forces. The Security Belt consolidated its force in Aden, and has established the city as its central command.[4]

According to reporting by The Associated Press, Security Belt forces provide security for Beir Ahmed prison in Aden, which has reportedly been the site of extensive torture and human rights violations.[5] [6]

See also

Notes and References

  1. http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/uae-yemen-islah-aden-959249443 Brothers no more: Yemen's Islah party faces collapse of Aden alliances
  2. Web site: Yemen: UAE Backs Abusive Local Forces. 22 June 2017. Human Rights Watch. 7 February 2018.
  3. Web site: Defeating IS in Yemen. Giorgio. Cafiero. 21 November 2017. al-Monitor. 7 February 2018.
  4. Web site: معسكر اللواء 39 مدرع يقصف جبل حديد بالسلاح الثقيل [The 39th Armored Brigade is shelling Iron Mountain with heavy weapons]]. 29 January 2018. alomanaa.net.
  5. News: Yemen demands Emirates shut down prisons where abuses rife . . July 9, 2018 . Ahmed . al-Haj . Maggie . Michael . But several security officials told the AP there was no change in control of any facilities and that Beir Ahmed remained under the control of the Security Belt, a militia armed and funded by the UAE..
  6. News: Detainees held without charges decry Emiratis' sexual abuses . June 21, 2018 . Maggie . Michael . The Associated Press.