Yemen: IS car bomb attack in Aden Nov. 29

Event

A car bomb detonated at the Ministry of Finance in Aden in the early hours of Wednesday, November 29. Five people were reportedly killed and an additional 12 wounded. Significant material damage was reported at the ministry building and in the surrounding area. The attack has been claimed by the Islamic State (IS).

Context

The port city of Aden - the seat of the internationally recognized government currently at war with Houthi rebels - has recently witnessed a string of attacks claimed by IS. On November 14, a deadly suicide car bombing was carried out outside a security force headquarters building used by the Saudi-led coalition. On November 5, a day-long suicide bombing and hostage-taking attack left scores dead.

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 900,000 people, and provoked a famine. 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.

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.