SBF

التالى السابق

The Southern Forces & The War Against Terrorism

REPORTS - 3 hours ago

The Tenth anniversary of Security Belt Forces Establishment

South Eye | Report - Exclusive

For over a decade, the Security Belt Forces (SBF) have played a crucial role in the fight against terrorism and the stabilization of Southern Yemen. Emerging in the aftermath of increasing security threats, these forces have grown into one of the most formidable counterterrorism units in the region, securing vast territories, neutralizing extremist groups, and maintaining law and order in areas where chaos once reigned. Their journey has been marked by both military triumphs and political challenges, as they navigated a complex battlefield of terrorist threats, shifting alliances, and regional power struggles.

The formation of the Security Belt Forces was a necessity born out of desperation. Following the collapse of state authority in 2015, Southern Yemen became a battleground for multiple factions, including Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) and other extremist groups that took advantage of the power vacuum. These terrorist organizations swiftly occupied vast stretches of land, imposed their own rule, and launched attacks on civilians, government institutions, and military installations.

At a time when national military structures were either too weak or infiltrated by political interests that hindered an effective counterterrorism strategy, the people of Southern Yemen needed a force that could fill the security void, protect civilians, and root out terrorist cells from their strongholds. The SBF emerged as an answer to this crisis, backed by local communities, supported by regional partners, and driven by a mission to restore order.

Unlike conventional military units, the Security Belt Forces were built from the ground up, recruiting directly from southern tribes & resistance. This gave them a unique advantage they understood the terrain, they knew the enemy, and they had a personal stake in the fight. This deep southern connection made them far more effective in counterinsurgency operations than any outside force could ever be.

The Battle Against AQAP and ISIS | A Relentless Pursuit

From Abyan to Shabwa, from Lahj to Hadramout, under the leadership of Aidroos Al Zubaidi, the Security Belt Forces waged an intense war against AQAP and ISIS affiliates who sought to turn these regions into permanent havens for extremism. The tactics used by these terrorist groups were brutal: assassinations, bombings, kidnappings, and the imposition of radical ideologies that left no room for dissent. In response, the SBF adopted a highly mobile and adaptive strategy, striking deep into terrorist-held territories, dismantling their training camps, and cutting off their financial and logistical networks.

One of the most defining moments came in 2016, when the Security Belt Forces launched a major offensive in Abyan, a province long considered an AQAP stronghold. In a series of well-coordinated raids, the SBF successfully pushed the terrorists out of key districts, dismantled their shadow government, and restored local governance. This victory marked a turning point, proving that the SBF was not just a defensive force but a capable and determined counterterrorism unit capable of taking the fight to the enemy. But the war against terrorism was never just about direct military confrontations. The Security Belt Forces understood that long-term success required more than just defeating fighters on the battlefield—it required dismantling the ideological and financial structures that kept these groups alive. Intelligence-driven operations became a crucial aspect of their strategy, targeting underground networks, terrorist financiers, and hidden arms caches that fueled the insurgency.

Building Stability Amidst Political Challenges

While their success on the battlefield was undeniable, the Security Belt Forces soon found themselves entangled in a political landscape where power struggles threatened to undermine their mission. The Yemeni government, despite its nominal alliance with the forces combating terrorism, was plagued by internal corruption, conflicting loyalties, and even tacit dealings with groups that the SBF was actively fighting. This meant that, rather than receiving full support, the Security Belt Forces often found themselves isolated, vilified, or even attacked by northern factions within the government that saw them as a threat to their political influence. Despite these challenges, the SBF continued to focus on their primary objective: ensuring the security of Southern Yemen and protecting its people. They played a key role in securing major cities like Aden, preventing terrorist attacks, and ensuring that the fragile infrastructure of the region could continue functioning. Their presence deterred extremist resurgence and kept critical supply routes open, allowing humanitarian aid and commerce to flow in regions that had been on the brink of collapse.

Yet, security is never just about eliminating threats—it is also about creating an environment where communities can rebuild and govern themselves without fear. Recognizing this, the Security Belt Forces actively worked under supervision of STC, & international partners to stabilize liberated areas. Their efforts went beyond military operations; they participated in rebuilding police forces, training local security personnel, and supporting governance structures that could ensure long-term stability.

A Force Tested by Internal and External Pressures

Despite their successes, the Security Belt Forces faced relentless pressure from multiple fronts. Political betrayals, smear campaigns, and regional rivalries all attempted to undermine their legitimacy. Certain factions within the Yemeni government, seeing the SBF as a threat to their control, attempted to frame them as an illegitimate militia rather than a legitimate security force. Meanwhile, international actors with conflicting agendas further complicated the situation, making it difficult for the SBF to operate without constant political negative interference. But perhaps the greatest test came in 2020, when the Security Belt Forces faced direct clashes with government-aligned forces that sought to weaken Southern Yemen’s autonomy and roll back the security gains made over the years. These confrontations revealed the true nature of the struggle that the war against terrorism was not just against extremist groups but also against those who sought to exploit instability & terrorist groups for their own political gain.

Even in the face of these challenges, the Security Belt Forces remained steadfast. They continued to protect Aden capital from terrorist threats, maintain security in liberated provinces, and push back against forces that sought to undermine the progress made in Southern Yemen. Their resilience in the face of adversity cemented their reputation as one of the most reliable southern security forces in the region.

As the situation in the region remains fluid, the role of the Security Belt Forces will continue to be critical in shaping the future of Southern Yemen. Their primary objective remains the same: securing the region from terrorism, ensuring stability, and preventing any resurgence of extremist elements. However, the challenges they face are evolving. The future of the SBF will depend on their ability to adapt to new threats, strengthen alliances, and assert their role as a legitimate security entity that cannot be sidelined by northern political maneuvering.

One of the key areas that require urgent attention is ensuring financial and logistical sustainability. The forces have long relied on regional support, but for long-term security, there must be a framework that ensures their operations remain independent and well-funded. This means that Southern Yemen’s resources must be under the control of its own people, rather than being exploited by corrupt northern political actors who do not prioritize the security of the region. Furthermore, international recognition and support will play a crucial role in strengthening the Security Belt Forces. The world cannot afford to ignore the contributions of these forces in the global fight against terrorism. If stability is to be achieved in the region, there must be an acknowledgment that the Security Belt Forces are an essential pillar of that stability not an obstacle to be sidelined by short-term political interests.

The Southern Security Belt Forces have proven their worth through blood, sacrifice, and relentless dedication to the cause of security and stability. The road ahead will not be easy, but one thing remains certain as long as the people of Southern Yemen seek peace, stability, security & Independenc the Security Belt Forces will be at the forefront, ensuring that no terrorist, no corrupt power, and no external force will ever again be allowed to dictate the fate of the Souh & its people.