I report on how the Houthis’ rapid advance along Yemen’s Red Sea coast could benefit al-Qaida. Experts warn the shift could also strengthen AQAP and al-Shabab, creating what one analyst calls a “dual-shore maritime pincer” around the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
alhurra.com/en/43088
alhurra.com/en/43088
Houthi Red Sea Gains Could Aid Al-Qaida, Experts Warn
Houthi control of Yemen's Red Sea coast and the Bab al-Mandab could benefit al-Qaida affiliates AQAP and al-Shabab, experts tell MBN.
alhurra.com
September 29, 2026 at 7:11 PM
I report on how the Houthis’ rapid advance along Yemen’s Red Sea coast could benefit al-Qaida. Experts warn the shift could also strengthen AQAP and al-Shabab, creating what one analyst calls a “dual-shore maritime pincer” around the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
alhurra.com/en/43088
alhurra.com/en/43088
The Iran-aligned Houthis ideologically oppose al-Qaida. But their control of Yemen’s Red Sea coast could create new opportunities for the terrorist group’s regional affiliates.
Houthi Red Sea Gains Could Aid Al-Qaida, Experts Warn
Houthi control of Yemen's Red Sea coast and the Bab al-Mandab could benefit al-Qaida affiliates AQAP and al-Shabab, experts tell MBN.
alhurra.com
September 29, 2026 at 3:28 PM
The Iran-aligned Houthis ideologically oppose al-Qaida. But their control of Yemen’s Red Sea coast could create new opportunities for the terrorist group’s regional affiliates.
The “opposition” in Yemen are mercenaries and AQAP the Saudis pay. The Saudi military is a joke. Yemen has already sent a US carrier strike group packing and they’ll do it again. Every time they humble America and its allies.
September 20, 2026 at 1:23 AM
The “opposition” in Yemen are mercenaries and AQAP the Saudis pay. The Saudi military is a joke. Yemen has already sent a US carrier strike group packing and they’ll do it again. Every time they humble America and its allies.
↪️ The Houthis will spread across the Saudi Peninsula consuming everything, just like an Iranian ISIS seeking to establish a Houthi Caliphate - unless stopped.
If not stopped, the 🏰 will drive them into Africa and across Southwest Asia proper.
Aspides needs to protect Socotra from the Houthis AQAP.
If not stopped, the 🏰 will drive them into Africa and across Southwest Asia proper.
Aspides needs to protect Socotra from the Houthis AQAP.
September 19, 2026 at 10:42 AM
↪️ The Houthis will spread across the Saudi Peninsula consuming everything, just like an Iranian ISIS seeking to establish a Houthi Caliphate - unless stopped.
If not stopped, the 🏰 will drive them into Africa and across Southwest Asia proper.
Aspides needs to protect Socotra from the Houthis AQAP.
If not stopped, the 🏰 will drive them into Africa and across Southwest Asia proper.
Aspides needs to protect Socotra from the Houthis AQAP.
And my article on covert strikes this year in Yemen www.justsecurity.org/129392/us-ai...
And much more.
And much more.
Is the U.S. Conducting Air Strikes Against Al Qaeda in Yemen?
Reports suggest renewed U.S. drone strikes in Yemen against AQAP despite official denials, raising transparency and accountability questions.
www.justsecurity.org
September 18, 2026 at 8:44 PM
And my article on covert strikes this year in Yemen www.justsecurity.org/129392/us-ai...
And much more.
And much more.
Got it - yes, Yemen honestly doesn't fit neatly into the GWOT box. The US *did* conduct some airstrikes there during the GWOT era against al-Qaeda Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) but apart from aid to Saudi Arabia beginning in 2015 (already late in the GWOT) wasn't involved much at all.
September 18, 2026 at 1:06 AM
Got it - yes, Yemen honestly doesn't fit neatly into the GWOT box. The US *did* conduct some airstrikes there during the GWOT era against al-Qaeda Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) but apart from aid to Saudi Arabia beginning in 2015 (already late in the GWOT) wasn't involved much at all.
The cradle is NOT @ the heart of the NHS baroness, equality of health provision is ! NHS ? Digitally, your R miles behind, restructure the workforce aqap
September 17, 2026 at 6:07 PM
The cradle is NOT @ the heart of the NHS baroness, equality of health provision is ! NHS ? Digitally, your R miles behind, restructure the workforce aqap
‘Al Shabaab is now working to deepen its relationship with the ... Houthis … AQAP, meanwhile, has also expanded an uneasy alliance with the Houthis …
September 14, 2026 at 12:41 AM
‘Al Shabaab is now working to deepen its relationship with the ... Houthis … AQAP, meanwhile, has also expanded an uneasy alliance with the Houthis …
Al Qaeda also operated on what could be construed as a franchising model where extremists in other countries sought out the reputation from the "brand name" (AQI, AQAP, AQIM,etc) while also having decentralized autonomy to fit their goals and tactics to their own region.
September 12, 2026 at 5:13 PM
Al Qaeda also operated on what could be construed as a franchising model where extremists in other countries sought out the reputation from the "brand name" (AQI, AQAP, AQIM,etc) while also having decentralized autonomy to fit their goals and tactics to their own region.
Bin Laden:
- Shabaab don’t say you’re AQ, it will attract attention you’d struggle with.
- AQAP don’t fight the Yemen gov, you’ll lose.
- Zarqawi cut it out.
- America is a “paper tiger”
- hit the far enemy not the near
Commentators: he clearly wanted to provoke endless wars in the Middle East
- Shabaab don’t say you’re AQ, it will attract attention you’d struggle with.
- AQAP don’t fight the Yemen gov, you’ll lose.
- Zarqawi cut it out.
- America is a “paper tiger”
- hit the far enemy not the near
Commentators: he clearly wanted to provoke endless wars in the Middle East
September 11, 2026 at 8:10 PM
Bin Laden:
- Shabaab don’t say you’re AQ, it will attract attention you’d struggle with.
- AQAP don’t fight the Yemen gov, you’ll lose.
- Zarqawi cut it out.
- America is a “paper tiger”
- hit the far enemy not the near
Commentators: he clearly wanted to provoke endless wars in the Middle East
- Shabaab don’t say you’re AQ, it will attract attention you’d struggle with.
- AQAP don’t fight the Yemen gov, you’ll lose.
- Zarqawi cut it out.
- America is a “paper tiger”
- hit the far enemy not the near
Commentators: he clearly wanted to provoke endless wars in the Middle East
Given how big will be the reshuffles caused by Houthi southern storm, expecting much to change in how the groups relatively silent will now be leaving their basements -AQAP will surely be back to exploit the chaos, Islamic State is clearly also present as we could see a week ago.
September 10, 2026 at 3:44 PM
Given how big will be the reshuffles caused by Houthi southern storm, expecting much to change in how the groups relatively silent will now be leaving their basements -AQAP will surely be back to exploit the chaos, Islamic State is clearly also present as we could see a week ago.
Ansarallah aka The Houthis are the legitimate government of Yemen, the air strikes are being carried out by Saudi and UAE. The UAE is also funding and training terrorist groups (some times even rivals) like AQAP and ISIS with American mercenaries. The Houthis are the least worse actor in conflict
September 7, 2026 at 12:07 PM
Ansarallah aka The Houthis are the legitimate government of Yemen, the air strikes are being carried out by Saudi and UAE. The UAE is also funding and training terrorist groups (some times even rivals) like AQAP and ISIS with American mercenaries. The Houthis are the least worse actor in conflict
I was in Afghanistan when al-Awlaki was hit by a drone strike ordered by Pres Obama. I recall the deafening cheers at the JOC not knowing why. Senior leadership were resoundingly in favor.
➡️Wasn't the strike legally "justified" because Al-Awlaki was identified as a leader & cleric in the AQAP?
➡️Wasn't the strike legally "justified" because Al-Awlaki was identified as a leader & cleric in the AQAP?
September 6, 2026 at 1:21 AM
I was in Afghanistan when al-Awlaki was hit by a drone strike ordered by Pres Obama. I recall the deafening cheers at the JOC not knowing why. Senior leadership were resoundingly in favor.
➡️Wasn't the strike legally "justified" because Al-Awlaki was identified as a leader & cleric in the AQAP?
➡️Wasn't the strike legally "justified" because Al-Awlaki was identified as a leader & cleric in the AQAP?
Noting that one of the senior figures allegedly targeted and killed in another likely covert U.S. drone strike in Yemen was also described as involved in AQ-Houthi rapprochement efforts.
www.justsecurity.org/129392/us-ai...
www.justsecurity.org/129392/us-ai...
Is the U.S. Conducting Air Strikes Against Al Qaeda in Yemen?
Reports suggest renewed U.S. drone strikes in Yemen against AQAP despite official denials, raising transparency and accountability questions.
www.justsecurity.org
September 2, 2026 at 1:02 AM
Noting that one of the senior figures allegedly targeted and killed in another likely covert U.S. drone strike in Yemen was also described as involved in AQ-Houthi rapprochement efforts.
www.justsecurity.org/129392/us-ai...
www.justsecurity.org/129392/us-ai...
Published this the day of the now confirmed covert strike in Yemen.
Doesn’t cover that strike for obvious reasons but I think illustrates the campaign it likely sat inside.
Also reminds that this is a cross-admin issue of secrecy and that it has real risks.
www.justsecurity.org/129392/us-ai...
Doesn’t cover that strike for obvious reasons but I think illustrates the campaign it likely sat inside.
Also reminds that this is a cross-admin issue of secrecy and that it has real risks.
www.justsecurity.org/129392/us-ai...
Is the U.S. Conducting Air Strikes Against Al Qaeda in Yemen?
Reports suggest renewed U.S. drone strikes in Yemen against AQAP despite official denials, raising transparency and accountability questions.
www.justsecurity.org
September 1, 2026 at 10:39 PM
Published this the day of the now confirmed covert strike in Yemen.
Doesn’t cover that strike for obvious reasons but I think illustrates the campaign it likely sat inside.
Also reminds that this is a cross-admin issue of secrecy and that it has real risks.
www.justsecurity.org/129392/us-ai...
Doesn’t cover that strike for obvious reasons but I think illustrates the campaign it likely sat inside.
Also reminds that this is a cross-admin issue of secrecy and that it has real risks.
www.justsecurity.org/129392/us-ai...
Huge Story.
WSJ confirms what looks like a US covert strike in Yemen on 2/12. It has previously seen some reporting in Yemeni media.
Here’s my article last year on ev of covert strikes in Yemen: www.justsecurity.org/129392/us-ai...
WSJ confirms what looks like a US covert strike in Yemen on 2/12. It has previously seen some reporting in Yemeni media.
Here’s my article last year on ev of covert strikes in Yemen: www.justsecurity.org/129392/us-ai...
Is the U.S. Conducting Air Strikes Against Al Qaeda in Yemen?
Reports suggest renewed U.S. drone strikes in Yemen against AQAP despite official denials, raising transparency and accountability questions.
www.justsecurity.org
September 1, 2026 at 10:25 PM
Huge Story.
WSJ confirms what looks like a US covert strike in Yemen on 2/12. It has previously seen some reporting in Yemeni media.
Here’s my article last year on ev of covert strikes in Yemen: www.justsecurity.org/129392/us-ai...
WSJ confirms what looks like a US covert strike in Yemen on 2/12. It has previously seen some reporting in Yemeni media.
Here’s my article last year on ev of covert strikes in Yemen: www.justsecurity.org/129392/us-ai...
Latest by me for the unstoppable Militant Wire:
Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula’s Aggressive Campaign to Direct and Inspire Attacks in the West
www.militantwire.com/p/ind-depth-...
Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula’s Aggressive Campaign to Direct and Inspire Attacks in the West
www.militantwire.com/p/ind-depth-...
In-Depth Analysis: Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula’s Aggressive Campaign to Direct and Inspire Attacks in the West
After weathering a period of financial instability and difficulty with its recruitment and logistical capabilities, al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) remains the most significant threat within ...
www.militantwire.com
September 1, 2026 at 4:33 PM
Latest by me for the unstoppable Militant Wire:
Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula’s Aggressive Campaign to Direct and Inspire Attacks in the West
www.militantwire.com/p/ind-depth-...
Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula’s Aggressive Campaign to Direct and Inspire Attacks in the West
www.militantwire.com/p/ind-depth-...
Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula’s Aggressive Campaign to Direct and Inspire Attacks in the West www.militantwire.com/p/ind-depth-...
In-Depth Analysis: Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula’s Aggressive Campaign to Direct and Inspire Attacks in the West
After weathering a period of financial instability and difficulty with its recruitment and logistical capabilities, al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) remains the most significant threat within ...
www.militantwire.com
August 31, 2026 at 10:44 PM
Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula’s Aggressive Campaign to Direct and Inspire Attacks in the West www.militantwire.com/p/ind-depth-...
I hope they get you on those good pain killers AQAP!!
August 30, 2026 at 5:53 AM
I hope they get you on those good pain killers AQAP!!
1/Obama is no saint (no one inheriting 2 wars could be).
Better than Trump (biggest understatement in 13B yrs). Escalated Yemen (you mean AQAP?). So many drones (overwhelmingly in Iraq, Afghanistan and Syria or you'd rather other ops which threaten 10x more collateral damage?)
Better than Trump (biggest understatement in 13B yrs). Escalated Yemen (you mean AQAP?). So many drones (overwhelmingly in Iraq, Afghanistan and Syria or you'd rather other ops which threaten 10x more collateral damage?)
August 25, 2026 at 4:17 PM
1/Obama is no saint (no one inheriting 2 wars could be).
Better than Trump (biggest understatement in 13B yrs). Escalated Yemen (you mean AQAP?). So many drones (overwhelmingly in Iraq, Afghanistan and Syria or you'd rather other ops which threaten 10x more collateral damage?)
Better than Trump (biggest understatement in 13B yrs). Escalated Yemen (you mean AQAP?). So many drones (overwhelmingly in Iraq, Afghanistan and Syria or you'd rather other ops which threaten 10x more collateral damage?)
UN report has some pretty major bits on Houthi collaboration with parts of the AQ network.
1) Shabaab-Houthi meetings
2) hundreds of Shabaab fighters trained by Houthis
3) field coop between Houthis and AQAP including intel sharing and provision of prev inaccessible weapons.
1) Shabaab-Houthi meetings
2) hundreds of Shabaab fighters trained by Houthis
3) field coop between Houthis and AQAP including intel sharing and provision of prev inaccessible weapons.
August 25, 2026 at 4:44 AM
UN report has some pretty major bits on Houthi collaboration with parts of the AQ network.
1) Shabaab-Houthi meetings
2) hundreds of Shabaab fighters trained by Houthis
3) field coop between Houthis and AQAP including intel sharing and provision of prev inaccessible weapons.
1) Shabaab-Houthi meetings
2) hundreds of Shabaab fighters trained by Houthis
3) field coop between Houthis and AQAP including intel sharing and provision of prev inaccessible weapons.
August 25, 2026 at 4:32 AM
On the q of US responsibility. www.justsecurity.org/129392/us-ai...
Is the U.S. Conducting Air Strikes Against Al Qaeda in Yemen?
Reports suggest renewed U.S. drone strikes in Yemen against AQAP despite official denials, raising transparency and accountability questions.
www.justsecurity.org
August 25, 2026 at 4:30 AM
On the q of US responsibility. www.justsecurity.org/129392/us-ai...
UN report touches upon strikes vs. AQAP that may or may not be US covert strikes.
Notes a disturbing countermeasure reportedly adopted in response.
documents.un.org/doc/undoc/ge...
Notes a disturbing countermeasure reportedly adopted in response.
documents.un.org/doc/undoc/ge...
August 25, 2026 at 4:30 AM
UN report touches upon strikes vs. AQAP that may or may not be US covert strikes.
Notes a disturbing countermeasure reportedly adopted in response.
documents.un.org/doc/undoc/ge...
Notes a disturbing countermeasure reportedly adopted in response.
documents.un.org/doc/undoc/ge...
keep it aqap baby
August 25, 2026 at 12:21 AM
keep it aqap baby