The chief of al-Qaeda’s Yemen department has issued threats in opposition to US President Donald Trump and tech billionaire Elon Musk over the continuing Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza, marking his first public look since taking management of the group in 2024.In a half-hour video launched on-line early Saturday by al-Qaeda within the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) supporters, Saad bin Atef al-Awlaki referred to as for retaliatory assaults and urged lone-wolf militants to assassinate leaders in Egypt, Jordan, and Gulf Arab nations over their roles within the battle, which he described as devastating to Palestinians in Gaza.
The video featured photos of Trump, Musk, US Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Secretary of Protection Pete Hegseth, together with logos of Musk’s corporations, together with Tesla.“There aren’t any crimson strains after what occurred and is going on to our folks in Gaza,” al-Awlaki declared. “Reciprocity is respectable.”
AQAP: As soon as al-Qaeda’s most harmful department
Although weakened in recent times by inside divisions and US drone strikes, AQAP was lengthy thought of al-Qaeda’s most harmful department following the 2011 killing of Osama bin Laden. The group has retained affect in Yemen and continues to advocate for world jihad.
Al-Awlaki, who has a $6 million US bounty on his head, is accused by Washington of inciting assaults in opposition to the US and its allies. He succeeded former chief Khalid al-Batarfi, whose demise AQAP confirmed in 2024.
Gaza battle attracts in regional militants
AQAP’s threats come as Yemen’s Houthi rebels, backed by Iran, have additionally drawn world consideration for launching missiles at Israel and attacking ships within the Pink Sea, prompting a heavy US naval response. The Pentagon has described the continuing battle with the Houthis as essentially the most intense fight since World Warfare II.Although the Houthis and AQAP have traditionally been at odds, the Shiite Houthis and Sunni AQAP fought bitterly in Yemen’s civil conflict, AQAP’s assaults on Houthi targets have decreased in recent times, whereas the group continues to strike forces from the Saudi-led coalition.UN estimates recommend AQAP retains a community of three,000 to 4,000 energetic fighters and supporters. The group funds its operations by way of financial institution robberies, smuggling, counterfeiting, and ransom actions.Because the Houthis acquire recognition throughout the Arab world for confronting Israel, consultants imagine al-Awlaki is utilizing the Gaza conflict to reclaim AQAP’s relevance.“For a nationwide safety and overseas coverage group more and more disengaged from Yemen, this video is a transparent reminder: Yemen nonetheless issues,” mentioned Mohammed al-Basha of the Basha Report.“Because the Houthis acquire recognition as leaders of the Arab and Muslim world’s ‘resistance’ in opposition to Israel, al-Awlaki seeks to problem their dominance by presenting himself as equally involved concerning the scenario in Gaza,” he added.