Video Message and Threats
Saad bin Atef al-Awlaki, leader of 's branch, threatened U.S. President , billionaire , and other leaders in a video message concerning the .
The video, which spread online, called for attacks against leaders in , , and Gulf states, showcasing images of Trump, Musk, and U.S. officials alongside logos of Musk's companies.
Context and Implications
Al-Awlaki, with a $6 million bounty on his head, succeeded Khalid al-Batarfi as AQAP leader. The group, estimated to have 3,000-4,000 members, has been involved in various criminal activities to fund its operations.
The threats come amid the backdrop of the Israel-Hamas war and attempts by Yemen's Houthi rebels to engage internationally. Al-Awlaki's message seeks to challenge the Houthis' stance as leaders of the Arab and Muslim world's resistance against Israel.