Security Belt

The Security Belt (Arabic: الحزام الأمني), also known as the al-Hizam Brigade, is a militia based in Southern Yemen. Operating in the governorates of Aden, Lahij and Abyan, the militia is heavily supported by the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It has faced accusations of human rights abuses, and of being under the control of the UAE, despite officially being subordinate to Yemen’s Interior Ministry. 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. The militia supports the Southern Transitional Council.

According to reporting by The Associated Press, Security Belt is responsible for security at Beir Ahmed, a prison in Aden that has reportedly been the site of extensive torture and human rights violations.

In the Battle of Aden (2018), Mount Hadid, which was run by Major General Aidarus al-Zoubaidi, and overlooked the 1st Brigade of the militia, came under attack by the Government of Yemen.