The leader of al-Qaeda’s branch in Yemen has issued a direct threat against U.S. President Donald Trump and tech mogul Elon Musk. This comes in response to the U.S. support for Israel amid ongoing violence in the Gaza Strip. In a video message released online, Saad bin Atef al-Awlaki stated, “There are no red lines after what happened and is happening to our people in Gaza.”
The video, shared by al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) supporters, also included calls for attacks on leaders in Egypt, Jordan, and Gulf Arab states due to their involvement in the conflict. Al-Awlaki emphasized that “reciprocity is legitimate,” suggesting that retaliation is warranted.
The message featured images of Trump and Musk, along with U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. It also displayed logos from Musk’s companies, including Tesla. This threat highlights the group’s growing focus on the situation in Gaza, where at least 54,772 Palestinians have reportedly died over the past 20 months due to the conflict.
AQAP, formed in 2009 from a merger of al-Qaeda factions in Yemen and Saudi Arabia, has been a significant player in the region’s instability. Al-Awlaki took over as leader in 2024 after the death of Khalid Batarfi. He is already a target for U.S. forces, with a $6 million bounty on his head for calling for attacks against the U.S. and its allies.
Despite facing challenges from infighting and U.S. drone strikes, AQAP is still considered a dangerous faction of al-Qaeda. Estimates suggest the group has between 3,000 and 4,000 active fighters and funds itself through various illegal activities, including bank robberies and smuggling.
Interestingly, AQAP appears to be shifting its focus to align with the Houthis, who have gained popularity for their stance against Israel. While the Houthis control most of Yemen and recently agreed to a ceasefire with the U.S., AQAP is trying to assert its relevance by addressing the Gaza conflict.
Experts believe al-Awlaki’s message is an attempt to position himself as a leader in the resistance against Israel, competing with the Houthis for influence in the region. Mohammed al-Basha, a Yemen expert, remarked that this video serves as a reminder of Yemen’s ongoing significance in international security discussions.