Security Belt

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
LeadersAidarus al-Zoubaidi
IdeologySecessionist
Size13,000
Part of 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 and warsYemeni Civil War (2015-Present)

In the Battle of Aden (2018), Mount Hadid, which was run by Major General Aidarus al-Zoubaidi, and overlooked the 1st Brigade of the force, came under attack by the pro-Hadi government troops. The Security Belt consolidated its force in Aden and has established it as its central command.[4]

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

See also

References
  1. Brothers no more: Yemen's Islah party faces collapse of Aden alliances Middle East Eye, October 21, 2017
  2. "Yemen: UAE Backs Abusive Local Forces". Human Rights Watch. 22 June 2017. Retrieved 7 February 2018.
  3. Cafiero, Giorgio (21 November 2017). "Defeating IS in Yemen". al-Monitor. Retrieved 7 February 2018.
  4. "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.
  5. 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.
  6. Michael, Maggie (June 21, 2018). "Detainees held without charges decry Emiratis' sexual abuses". The Associated Press.


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