With latest video, Yemen's AQAP seeks relevance, taps into regional outrage
The first video address by Yemeni al-Qaeda leader Saad al-Awlaki follows a decline in clashes between the group and the Iran-backed Houthis in what one expert dubbed a "collaborative arrangement."
The latest video from Yemen’s al-Qaeda branch features threats against the United States and President Donald Trump over the war in Gaza — a sign, experts say, that the group is seeking to regain influence by tapping into regional outrage over the conflict. The group's efforts to exploit the war echo similar moves by Yemen's Houthi rebels.
The video, released by al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) and titled “Incite the Believers,” features the group’s leader, Saad al-Awlaki, delivering his first public address. It circulated online on June 7. In it, Awlaki referred to Trump and senior officials such as Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Vice President JD Vance as "scum of the earth" and urged Muslims to target them.
"Go after them and their families and all those who have any ties or are close to the politicians of the White House. There are no red lines after all that has been happening to our people in Gaza," said Awlaki.
He also called on soldiers in Arab states to "strike the Jews" and endorsed attacks on regional leaders.
