Yemen: Ramadan celebrations begin May 26-27

Event

On May 26-27, Muslims in Yemen and elsewhere in the world will begin their month-long celebration of Ramadan. The end of the month of Ramadan, marked by Eid-el-Fitr celebrations, will take place on June 25. Busy periods should be expected around daybreak but especially in the evening around sunset. In the morning families will gather for "Suhoor" – the last meal before fasting begins. In the evening families gather for "Iftar" – the breaking of the fast. Markets are usually busy in the evenings as people prepare for the evening gathering and feast. Such gatherings will be attractive targets for both Al-Qa'ida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) and Islamic State (IS) militants, who will continue to target military and civilian targets throughout the month. It is almost certain a number of high-profile attacks will be attempted during this period, and AQAP may seek to target western interests in retaliation for the United States counterterrorism operation that was carried out against AQAP on May 23. In 2016, IS called for its members around the world to perpetrate attacks coinciding with Ramadan.

Context

Ramadan is a period of reflection and self-restraint and it carries great significance within the Muslim calendar. Muslims traditionally observe daytime fasting and are called to practice increased devotion and abstain from certain activities.

More generally, this period also marks a significant increase in the regional terror threat in many Muslim-majority countries across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. In recent years, IS, as well as other groups, have called on their fighters to perpetrate attacks during the holy month of Ramadan. On June 26, 2015, IS fighters killed 39 people in an attack targeting Sousse, Tunisia. The same day, a similar attack also claimed by IS targeted a Mosque during Friday's noon prayers in Kuwait City, killing 27 people. On June 21, 2016, members of Jordan’s security forces were killed in a car bomb. In Lebanon, a series of suicide attacks killed six people. In Turkey, on the evening of June 28, 2016, an attack carried out by three gunmen/suicide bombers was perpetrated at Istanbul-Atatürk International Airport (IST), leaving 44 people dead and scores more injured.

Yemen has been engaged in a complex and deadly conflict between Houthi rebels and the international coalition-backed government since 2015. In early 2017, the UN humanitarian aid office in Yemen announced that the civilian death toll had reached 10,000, with another 40,000 people wounded and 10 million in need of emergency assistance. According to the UN, the country is on the brink of famine with 7 million people going hungry. Approximately 18.8 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance and the crisis has placed overwhelming strain on the country’s health system. Major health facilities have been destroyed by the conflict and aid deliveries are often blocked by rebels, stolen, or destroyed. Al-Hodeida, one of the largest ports in the country, is blocked by rebels, preventing international aid from entering the country.

Advice

Individuals in Yemen are advised remain aware of their surroundings and on alert against any suspicious behavior due to the high terrorist threat. It is advised not to eat, drink, or smoke in public throughout this period to avoid drawing undue attention to yourself.

The security environment in Yemen remains complex. Although travel is permissible in some areas, other areas should be considered strictly off limits. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel. Many Western governments advise their citizens against all travel to the country.