Yemen’s Al-Qaeda Leader Threatens US Officials Over Israel’s War on Gaza
Al-Qaeda leader Saad bin Atef al-Awlaki threatens US officials in response to the Gaza conflict. In a recent video, he calls for attacks on leaders in Egypt, Jordan, and Gulf states, citing a humanitarian crisis in Gaza. AQAP, while weakened in recent years, remains a persistent threat with significant funding streams. Al-Awlaki has a $6 million US bounty on his head for inciting violence against the US.
The leader of Yemen’s Al-Qaeda branch has issued a stark warning to US officials in response to the ongoing Israeli conflict in Gaza. In a half-hour video released online, Saad bin Atef al-Awlaki proclaimed, “There are no red lines after what happened and is happening to our people in Gaza.” His unsettling message, shared by supporters of Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), calls for only a singular amount of justified retribution against leaders in Egypt, Jordan, and the Gulf states.
During the video, al-Awlaki made a disturbing appeal for so-called lone wolves to take action against several high-profile figures. Among those mentioned were former President Donald Trump, billionaire Elon Musk, and various American officials including Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The video incorporated visuals of these individuals, promoting a sense of urgency and resolve, as al-Awlaki highlighted the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, where at least 54,772 Palestinians have reportedly died in the past 20 months.
AQAP, which was founded in 2009 from the fusion of Al-Qaeda’s Yemeni and Saudi factions, is markedly distinct from Yemen’s Houthi rebels previously involved in a ceasefire with the US. This merger has allowed AQAP to thrive in the midst of ongoing chaos resulting from Yemen’s civil war since 2015. Al-Awlaki took over leadership of the group in 2024 following the death of Khalid Batarfi.
Despite its degradation in recent years, largely from internal strife and extensive US drone strikes, AQAP remains a significant threat. It has been categorized as one of the most dangerous factions of Al-Qaeda, especially after the assassination of Osama bin Laden in 2011. A US bounty of $6 million is currently on al-Awlaki’s head for his calls to attack US targets and allies.
Expert estimates signal that AQAP still possesses between 3,000 and 4,000 active fighters and supporters, funding their operations through various illicit means including bank robberies and arms smuggling. Notably, although the Houthis have consistently denied collaboration with AQAP, the focus of AQAP’s recent attacks seems to mirror the Houthi stance on the Israel-Gaza issue. The Houthis have stepped up their own hostile actions against Israel, including missile launches and targeting of commercial shipping in the Red Sea, showing a united front in opposition to what they perceive as aggression against the Palestinian people.
In summary, Saad bin Atef al-Awlaki of AQAP has openly condemned the United States and called for violence against specific leaders, capitalizing on the heightened emotions surrounding the Gaza conflict. This reflects a continued threat from AQAP, despite recent challenges to its strength. The ongoing situation also indicates a shifting focus within AQAP, aligning more closely with Houthis as both groups react to developments in Gaza.
Original Source: ifpnews.com
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