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]
| Security Belt Forces | |
|---|---|
| قوات الحزام الأمني | |
 Security Belt Forces insignia | |
| Leaders | Aidarus al-Zoubaidi |
| Ideology | Separatism |
| Size | 13,000 |
| Part of |  Southern Movement |
| Allies |  United Arab Emirates Tihamah Resistance National Resistance Giants Brigades |
| Opponents |  Houthis.svg){kind=small} Al Islah AQAP Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant – Yemen Province |
| Battles and wars | Yemeni Civil War (2015-Present) |
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 edit
References edit
- ^ Brothers no more: Yemen's Islah party faces collapse of Aden alliances Middle East Eye, October 21, 2017
- ^ "Yemen: UAE Backs Abusive Local Forces". Human Rights Watch. 22 June 2017. Retrieved 7 February 2018.
- ^ Cafiero, Giorgio (21 November 2017). "Defeating IS in Yemen". al-Monitor. Retrieved 7 February 2018.
- ^ "معسكر اللواء 39 مدرع يقصف جبل حديد بالسلاح الثقيل [The 39th Armored Brigade is shelling Iron Mountain with heavy weapons]". alomanaa.net. 29 January 2018.
- ^ al-Haj, Ahmed; Michael, Maggie (July 9, 2018). "Yemen demands Emirates shut down prisons where abuses rife". The Associated Press.
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.
- ^ Michael, Maggie (June 21, 2018). "Detainees held without charges decry Emiratis' sexual abuses". The Associated Press.
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