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 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]
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.
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