1. The Yemen Conflict & the Implications for Maritime Security
Commander Chris Stock Royal Navy
Maritime Security Advisor (Yemen)
22 Apr 18

2. Scope Political Humanitarian Vessel Verification & Inspection Maritime
Summary

3. Key Events Sep 14 – Houthi/Saleh supporters take over Sana’a
26 Mar 15 – conflict begins to restore legitimate Government of Yemen (GoY)
Nov 17 – missile strike on Riyadh leads to blockade
Dec 17 – Saleh assassinated; blockade lifted
Jan/Feb 18 – indication Houthi & GoY / SLC willing to talk
Jan 18 – fighting in Aden between pro and anti-Hadi non-Houthi elements
Mar 18 – new UNSE Martin Griffiths arrives to re-invigorate peace process
Strategically important
Daily reports of conflict

4. Humanitarian
90% of Yemen’s food and fuel needs are supplied by commercial shipping
Any break in the pipeline risks the outbreak of country-wide famine
22.2 million people going hungry, 8.4 million at risk of starvation
Hodeidah port is a critical access point for north and west Yemen where significant proportion of the Yemeni population live
Blockade Nov/Dec 17; fuel & food imports have yet to recover
Yemen Comprehensive Humanitarian Operations Plan

5. Vessel Verification and Inspection
Since May 16, UN Verification and Inspection Mechanism provides a structure and process for commercial ships to gain access to Red Sea ports
Recognise need to maintain confidence in the shipping industry whilst acknowledging security concerns of KSA (UNSCR 2216)
UNVIM – EHOC – Coalition warships
Lifting the Saudi blockade
Deployed monitors to ports would make a difference
Coalition (EHOC) and UNVIM working to draw up a common, definitive list of banned items

6. Threats in the Maritime Environment
Mines
9 Mar 17 Yemen Coast Guard Vessel Sana’a sunk after making contact with a mine (two crew killed)
8 May 17 Saudi forces report presence of mines off Maydi
Water-borne IED (WBIED)
30 Jan 17 attack on RSNF HMS MEDINAH (killing two RSNF personnel and injuring three).
25 Apr 17 Houthi WBIED exploded at the entrance to Jizan harbour (KSA) after being engaged by Saudi Border Guards.
RPG
25 Mar 18 Saudi tanker attacked by Houthi RPG in TTW off Hoedidah
Missiles
1 Oct 16 Missile attack, reportedly fired from land by the Houthis on the MV SWIFT, a UAE chartered catamaran vessel, ostensibly conducting transportation of Humanitarian Aid.
9-12 Oct 16 Missiles launched against US Warships on separate occasions over the period. Counter-measures taken
3 Apr 18 ABQAIQ struck by missile

7. So What?
Maritime insecurity and criminality through the Red Sea ports is driving SLC desire to take control of these ports
Houthi seeking to expand their capabilities, but….
Major humanitarian issues to consider. Houthi miscalculation / Coalition over-reaction can have devastating effects
Key is to find a way to increase the ease of commercial and humanitarian access whilst ensuring a robust maritime security and enhanced inspection regime

8. A Possible Solution?
Maritime insecurity is not a new phenomenon in Yemen; especially smuggling
Requires an enhanced international response
Perhaps through enhanced international policing and inspections

9. Summary
Building and maintaining commercial confidence remains key to feeding Yemen
Balancing the requirements for Maritime Security v ensuring Commercial/ Humanitarian access remains challenging

10. Any Questions?