14 Nov 2017 | 10:28 AM UTC
Yemen: Deadly IS suicide attack in Aden Nov. 14
Suicide attack claimed by the Islamic State in port city of Aden kills at least 15 on November 14
Event
On Tuesday morning, November 14, a suicide bomber reportedly detonated explosives in a car outside a security force headquarters building used by the Saudi-led coalition in Aden, killing at least 15 people and injuring 20 others. Clashes reportedly erupted immediately following the attack. Significant material damage to the building was reported. The attack took place in a densely-populated area of the city with many schools and commercial establishments. An Islamic State (IS) affiliate group claimed responsibility for the attack.
Context
This incident marks the second IS-claimed attack in Aden in less than two weeks. On November 5, a day-long suicide bombing and hostage-taking attack left scores dead in the port city. Yemen has been engaged in a complex and deadly conflict since Houthi rebels started fighting the international coalition-backed government in 2015. In total, approximately 10,000 Yemenis have died in the fighting and over 3 million have been displaced. The war has also sparked a cholera outbreak, which has affected over 755,000 people. Terrorist groups such as IS and Al-Qa'ida have been able to capitalize on the this instability to bolster their presence in the country, especially in the south.
On a related note, on November 6, the Saudi-led coalition announced a temporary closure of all land borders, seaports, and airports in Yemen. The decision came after a ballistic missile launched by Houthi rebels was intercepted in the Saudi capital Riyadh, resulting in an explosion at King Khalid International Airport (RUH). Humanitarian groups alleged that the border closures, which disrupted aid shipments, could bring millions of Yemeni citizens closer to "starvation and death." On November 13, Saudi Arabian authorities announced that certain airports and seaports in Yemen would reopen within 24 hours to allow humanitarian access to the country.
Advice
The security environment in Yemen remains complex. Due to poor security conditions, many Western governments strongly advise their citizens against all travel to Yemen. Travel to the country should only be considered with proper security protocols in place. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel.
