Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula: Difference between revisions

|[[Anti-Americanism]]|[[Anti Western]]

|[[Islamic Fundamentalism]]|[[Qutbism]]<ref name="counterextremism.com">{{cite web |title=Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) |url=http://www.counterextremism.com/threat/al-qaeda-arabian-peninsula-aqap |website=Counter Extremism Project |access-date=23 April 2015 |archive-date=25 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181225080226/https://www.counterextremism.com/threat/al-qaeda-arabian-peninsula-aqap%20 |url-status=live }}</ref>

|[[Wahabism]]|[[Salafism]]|[[Salafi jihadism]]<ref name="Kendall 2021" /><ref name="counterextremism.com" /><br />[[Irredentism]]<ref name="undocs.org">{{cite web|url=http://undocs.org/S/2018/705|title=S/2018/705 – E|website=undocs.org|access-date=2018-08-15|archive-date=2019-08-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190808190033/https://undocs.org/S/2018/705|url-status=live}}</ref>

|[[Anti-Christian sentiment]]|[[Anti-Shi'ism]]|[[Anti-imperialism]]<ref name="counterextremism.com" />

| active = January 2009 – present

several hundred300 (before 20112010, estimateper Yemeni government)<ref>{{cite web|date=2017-02-17|url=https://www.crisisgroup.org/middle-east-north-africa/gulf-and-arabian-peninsula/yemen/174-yemen-s-al-qaeda-expanding-base|title=Yemen’sYemen's al-Qaeda: Expanding the Base|website=International Crisis Group|date=2017-02-17|access-date=2024-10-12|}}</ref>

|1,000 (2014 estimate)<ref>{{cite web|date=2015-06-19|url=https://2009-2017.state.gov/j/ct/rls/crt/2014/239413.htm|title=ChapterCountry 6Reports on Terrorism 2014|website=U.S. ForeignDepartment Terroristof OrganizationsState|access-date=2024-10-12|archive-date=2024-05-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240515035727/https://2009-2017.state.gov/documents/organization/239631.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

|4,000 (20152016 estimate){{refn|<ref>{{cite web|date=2017-07-19|url=https://2009-2017www.state.gov/jwp-content/ctuploads/rls/crt2019/201504/257523crt_2016.htmpdf|title=ChapterCountry 6Reports on Terrorism 2016|website=U.S. ForeignDepartment Terroristof OrganizationsState|access-date=20192024-0510-2314|archive-date=20222019-0305-3016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/2022033002311820190516165841/https://2009-2017www.state.gov/jwp-content/ctuploads/rls/crt2019/201504/257523crt_2016.htmpdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="new authorities">{{cite web|first=Jeff|last=Seldin|date=3 March 2017|url=http://www.voanews.com/a/yemen-airstrikes-target-al-qaida-leader-/3748092.html|title=Flexing New Authorities, US Military Unleashes Barrage on AQAP|firstwebsite=Jeff|last=Seldin|date=3Voice March 2017of America|access-date=2017-03-10|archive-date=2017-08-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170828011829/https://www.voanews.com/a/yemen-airstrikes-target-al-qaida-leader-/3748092.html|url-status=live}}</ref>}}

|2,000-3,000 (2024 estimate)<ref>{{cite web |title=Thirty-fourth report of the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team submitted pursuant to resolution 2734 (2024) concerning ISIL (Da’eshDa'esh), Al-Qaida and associated individuals and entities |url=https://documents.un.org/doc/undoc/gen/n24/191/91/pdf/n2419191.pdf |website=United Nations Security Council |date=2024-07-22 |access-date=2024-10-12 |archive-date=2024-07-22 |archive-url=https://documents.un.org/doc/undoc/gen/n24/191/91/pdf/n2419191.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>

| merger = al-Qaeda in Yemen and [[al-Qaeda of Saudi Arabia|al-Qaeda in Saudi Arabia]]

*{{flagicon image|ShababFlag.svg}} [[al-Shabaab (militant group)|al-Shabaab]] <small>(2009–present)</small><ref>{{cite web |title=Thirty-fourth report of the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team submitted pursuant to resolution 2734 (2024) concerning ISIL (Da’eshDa'esh), Al-Qaida and associated individuals and entities |url=https://nordicmonitor.com/2022/02/the-un-report-indicates-al-qaeda-and-isis-enjoys-safe-haven-in-turkish-controlled-idlib/ |website=United Nations Security Council |date=2024-07-22 |access-date=15 February 2022 |archive-date=15 February 2022 |archive-url=https://documents.un.org/doc/undoc/gen/n24/191/91/pdf/n2419191.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>

*|title = '''[[Al-Qaeda insurgency in Yemen|Insurgency in Yemen (2009–2014)]]''' | [[Operation Blow to the Head]]

*| [[First Battle of Lawdar]]

*| [[Al-Qaeda insurgency in Yemen#Battle of Huta|Battle of Huta]]

*| [[Battle of Zinjibar]]

*| [[Siege of Dammaj]]

*| [[Battle of Dofas]]

*| [[Battle2012 ofAbyan Raddaoffensive]]

*Al| Bayda[[Shabwah Governorate Clashes (2013–14)offensive]]

*| [[2014 hostage rescue operations inRadda Yemenbombings]]

*| [[FallBattle of Zinjibar andMukalla Jaar(2015)]]

*| [[AbyanRaid on conflictYakla]]

*| [[Raid on YaklaAl Hathla]]

*| [[Al-Qaeda insurgency in Yemen#Operation DecisiveSweeping SwordTorrent|Operation DecisiveSweeping SwordTorrent]]

*| [[Al-QaedaHadramaut insurgency in Yemen#Operation SweepingBlack TorrentMountains|Operation SweepingBlack TorrentMountains]]

*| [[Al2022 Southern BaydaYemen offensive]]

'''Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula''' ({{lang-langx|ar-at|تنظيم القاعدة في جزيرة العرب|Tanẓīm al-Qā‘idah fī Jazīrat al-‘Arab|lit=Organization of [[al-Qaeda|the Base]] in the [[Arabian Peninsula]]}} or {{lang|ar|تنظيم قاعدة الجهاد في جزيرة العرب}}, ''Tanẓīm Qā‘idat al-Jihād fī Jazīrat al-‘Arab'', "Organization of [[Jihad]]'s Base in the Arabian Peninsula"), commonly abbreviated asor '''AQAP''' is a [[Sunni Islam|Sunni]] [[Islamic extremism|Islamist]] militant grouporganization which seeks to overthrow the [[Cabinet of Yemen|Yemeni government]] and establish an [[Islamic state|Islamic emirate]]. The group is part of the [[al-Qaeda]] network and is primarily active in [[Yemen]] and, to a lesser extent, [[Saudi Arabia]].<ref name=":1" /> It is considered the most active of al-Qaeda's affiliates that emerged after the weakening of central leadership.<ref name=":1" />

In 2011, AQAP created [[Ansar al-Sharia (Yemen)|Ansar al-Sharia]] ({{lang-langx|ar|جماعة أنصار الشريعة}}, ''Jamā‘at Anṣār ash-Sharī‘ah'', "Group of the Helpers of the [[Sharia]]") as a parallel organization which would operate exclusively within Yemen. The group was created in order to appeal to youth and their issues within only Yemen and to distance themselves from the reputation attributed to the [[Pan-Islamism|pan-Islamist]] al-Qaeda. It was Ansar al-Sharia which established various emirates across southern Yemen, though the group is widely understood as being a rebrand or direct extension of AQAP.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Zelin |first=Aaron |date=2012-09-21 |title=Know Your Ansar al-Sharia |url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2012/09/21/know-your-ansar-al-sharia/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150630220135/http://foreignpolicy.com/2012/09/21/know-your-ansar-al-sharia/ |archive-date=2015-06-30 |access-date=2024-09-26 |website=Foreign Policy |language=en-US}}</ref> In addition to its activities within the [[Arabian Peninsula]], AQAP has conducted several high-profile attacks in [[Western world|the West]] such as the [[Northwest Airlines Flight 253|attempted bombing of Northwest Airlines Flight 253 in 2009]], the [[Charlie Hebdo shooting|2015 ''Charlie Hebdo'' shooting]],<ref name="auto1">{{cite web |last=Smith-Spark |first=Laura |date=14 January 2015 |title=What is al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula? |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2015/01/14/middleeast/yemen-al-qaeda-arabian-peninsula/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210325202704/https://edition.cnn.com/2015/01/14/middleeast/yemen-al-qaeda-arabian-peninsula/ |archive-date=25 March 2021 |access-date=23 April 2015 |publisher=CNN}}</ref> and the [[Naval Air Station Pensacola shooting|2019 Naval Air Station Pensacola shooting]].<ref name=":6" /> The group has been designated a [[List of designated terrorist groups|terrorist organization]]<!-- see link for inclusion of national bodies --> by the [[United Nations]], [[United States]], [[Saudi Arabia]], [[UAE]] and several other countries.

DuringIn the lateaftermath 1980sof the [[Soviet–Afghan War|Soviet-Afghan war]], [[President of the Republic of Yemen]] [[Ali Abdullah Saleh]] utilized thousands of Yemeni former [[Afghan mujahideen|mujahideen]] from the [[Soviet–Afghan War|Soviet-Afghan war]] to fight for the [[Yemen Arab Republic]] during the [[Yemeni civil war (1994)|Yemeni civil war of 1994]], and to neutralize southern secessionists after it. A group of Yemenis who had trained under [[Osama bin Laden]] in [[Afghanistan]] formed Islamic Jihad in Yemen, which operated from 1990 to 1994. Other such al-Qaeda affiliated groups included the [[Aden-Abyan Islamic Army]] and al-Qaeda in Yemen (AQY).<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=2015-06-19 |title=Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) |url=https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/al-qaeda-arabian-peninsula-aqap |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240912181343/https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/al-qaeda-arabian-peninsula-aqap |archive-date=2024-09-12 |access-date=2024-09-17 |website=Council on Foreign Relations |language=en}}</ref>

After the [[September 11 attacks]], Saleh was heavily pressured by the United States into cracking down on al-Qaeda groups in the country. Saleh obliged, and byagreed to coordinated several operations with the U.S. to defeat al-Qaeda, such as with a [[Central Intelligence Agency|CIA]] [[Drone warfare|drone strike]] on 3 November 2002 which killed AQY leader [[Qaed Salim Sinan al-Harethi|Abu Ali al-Harithi]] in [[Marib Governorate|Marib governorate]].<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2002-11-05 |title=U.S. Predator Kills 6 Al Qaeda Suspects |url=https://abcnews.go.com/WNT/story?id=130027&page=1 |access-date=2024-10-14 |website=ABC News |language=en}}</ref> By the end of 2003, AQY and other al-Qaeda affiliates were shells of their formersignificantly selvesweakened.<ref name=":1" /> In February 2006, 23 al-Qaeda members [[2006 Yemen prison escape|escaped imprisonment]] in Sana'a through digging a 140-metre long tunnel. The escapees would end up rebuilding al-Qaeda's footprint within the country over the next few years.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2006-02-05 |title=USS Cole plotter escapes prison |url=https://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/meast/02/05/cole.escape/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060207015844/https://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/meast/02/05/cole.escape/index.html |archive-date=2006-02-07 |access-date=2024-09-17 |website=CNN}}</ref><ref name=":1" /> Al-Qaeda maintained a presence in Yemen, evident by multiple high-profile attacks in the country such as the [[2007 Marib suicide car bombing|2007 Marib car bombing]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=2015-06-09 |title=Probe urged into attack on Spanish tourists in Yemen |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/6/9/probe-urged-into-attack-on-spanish-tourists-in-yemen |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240910124858/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/6/9/probe-urged-into-attack-on-spanish-tourists-in-yemen |archive-date=2024-09-10 |access-date=2024-09-21 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}</ref> and the [[2008 attack on the United States embassy in Yemen|2008 attack on the United States embassy in Sana'a]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2008-09-17 |title=Car Bomb Hits U.S. Embassy In Yemen |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/car-bomb-hits-us-embassy-in-yemen/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210924083753/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/car-bomb-hits-us-embassy-in-yemen/ |archive-date=2021-09-24 |access-date=2024-09-17 |website=CBS News |language=en-US}}</ref>

After initial success through early operations such as the [[Riyadh compound bombings|2003 Riyadh bombings]],<ref>{{Cite news |date=2014-04-21 |title=Saudi Arabia sentences five to death over 2003 attacks |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-27103375 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240511130815/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-27103375 |archive-date=2024-05-11 |access-date=2024-09-17 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref> murder of [[Paul Marshall Johnson Jr.]] in 2004,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2004-06-21 |title=Special coverage of the murder of American hostage Paul Johnson Jr. |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna5262516 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221116162439/https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna5262516 |archive-date=2022-11-16 |access-date=2024-09-17 |website=NBC News |language=en}}</ref> [[2004 Khobar massacre|2004 Khobar attack]],<ref>{{Cite web |date=2015-12-03 |title=Exclusive footage shows deadly attack in Saudi's al-Khobar in 2004 |url=https://english.alarabiya.net/webtv/reports/2015/12/03/Exclusive-footage-shows-deadly-2004-attack-in-Saudi-s-al-Khobar-city |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210422193623/https://english.alarabiya.net/webtv/reports/2015/12/03/Exclusive-footage-shows-deadly-2004-attack-in-Saudi-s-al-Khobar-city |archive-date=2021-04-22 |access-date=2024-09-17 |website=Al Arabiya}}</ref> and the 2005 Qatar theatre bombing,<ref name="qatar">{{cite news |date=25 March 2005 |title=The Advent Of Terrorism In Qatar |url=https://www.forbes.com/home/energy/2005/03/25/cz_0325oxan_qatarattack.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080209133214/http://www.forbes.com/2005/03/25/cz_0325oxan_qatarattack.html |archive-date=9 February 2008 |work=[[Forbes]]}}</ref> [[al-Qaeda of Saudi Arabia]]'s remnants had been forced to flee to Yemen by late 2008 due to extreme pressure by the Saudi government. Al-Qaeda of Saudi Arabia and al-Qaeda in Yemen merged in January 2009 to form Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula.<ref name=":1" /> [[Nasir al-Wuhayshi]], leader of the Yemeni branch, was confirmed to be the newfirst emir of AQAP by [[Ayman al-Zawahiri]].<ref name="aljazeera20091229">{{cite news |date=2009-12-29 |title=Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula |url=http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2009/12/2009122935812371810.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110904094740/http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2009/12/2009122935812371810.html |archive-date=2011-09-04 |access-date=2024-09-17 |publisher=Al Jazeera}}</ref>

The primary goals of AQAP are similar to that of its parent organization and other [[Jihadism|jihadist]] groups. AQAP seeks to create to expel Western presence and influences in the Arabian Peninsula and to establish an [[Islamic state|Islamic emirate]] within Yemen. The group declares that the government of Yemen is a secular and "[[Apostasy in Islam|apostate]]" entity which must be overthrown and replaced by an Islamic government which adheres to their interpretation of Sharia[[sharia law]].<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":10">{{Cite web |last=Knoll |first=David |date=2017-10-27 |title=Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP): An Al-Qaeda Affiliate Case Study |url=https://www.cna.org/archive/CNA_Files/pdf/dim-2017-u-016116-2rev.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231223203445/https://www.cna.org/archive/CNA_Files/pdf/dim-2017-u-016116-2rev.pdf |archive-date=2023-12-23 |access-date=2024-10-03 |website=CNA}}</ref> They also argue that the Yemeni government is a [[puppet state]] of America, which secretly governs the country through their embassy in Sana'a.<ref name=":10" /> AQAP emphasizes that jihad is the answer to the issues of the Yemeni people, calling on [[Sheikh|sheiks]], preachers and tribal leader to endorse jihad against the government and declare themit illegitimate.<ref name=":10" /> The group operates upon a gradualist approach in order to fulfil this goal, prioritizing the establishment of acceptance amongst local Yemenis before gaining popular support among the people, and then willingness from the populace to defend AQAP-held territory. This formula would be appropriated across multiple 'emirates' across Yemen, with the eventual goal of unification in the form of a [[caliphate]], allowing them to use Yemen as a launching pad for international attacks and operations.<ref name=":33" />

Directly below the emir is the deputy leader, military commander, regional commanders for each of [[Governorates of Yemen|Yemen's governorates]] and department heads for different subdivisions.<ref name=":11">{{Cite web |date=2024-08-16 |title=AQAP (Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula) |url=https://www.counterextremism.com/threat/aqap-al-qaeda-arabian-peninsula |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240910225840/https://www.counterextremism.com/threat/aqap-al-qaeda-arabian-peninsula |archive-date=2024-09-10 |access-date=2024-10-05 |website=Counter Extremism Project |language=en}}</ref> A [[United Nations]] [[United Nations Security Council|Security Council]] report from 2018 states that the group possesses 'doctrinal (shari'a), propaganda, military, security and financial subdivisions'.<ref name=":13">{{Cite web |date=2018-07-27 |title=Twenty-second report of the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team submitted pursuant to resolution 2368 (2017) concerning ISIL (Da’eshDa'esh), Al-Qaida and associated individuals and entities |url=https://documents.un.org/doc/undoc/gen/n18/201/01/pdf/n1820101.pdf |access-date=2024-10-13 |website=United Nations Security Council |page=9}}</ref> The military branch directs AQAP's attacks, bombings, kidnappings and robberies, with its chief currently being Ammar al-San’ani.<ref name=":11" />

On 17 December, the U.S. carried out air raids on what officials suspected was an AQAP training camp in [[Al-Maʽjalah|al-Majalah]], a village in [[Abyan Governorate|Abyan governorate]].<ref>{{cite news |author1last1=Ross |firstfirst1=Brian |author2last2=Esposito |first2=Richard |author3last3=Cole |first3=Matthew |last4=Martinez |first4=Luis |last5=Radia |first5=Kirit |date=2009-12-18 |title=Obama Ordered U.S. Military Strike on Yemen Terrorists |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/cruise-missiles-strike-yemen/story?id=9375236 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190522101214/https://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/cruise-missiles-strike-yemen/story?id=9375236 |archive-date=2019-05-22 |access-date=2024-10-09 |work=ABC News |location=New York}}</ref> The attacks reportedly killed 50 people, including women and children, and injured 60 more according to locals.<ref name="guardian">{{Cite news |author=Hugh MacLeod and Nasser Arrabyee |date=3 January 2010 |title=Yemeni air attacks on al-Qaida fighters risk mobilising hostile tribes |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/jan/03/yemen-air-attacks-alqaida |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161201231225/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/jan/03/yemen-air-attacks-alqaida |archive-date=1 December 2016 |access-date=13 December 2016 |work=The Guardian |location=London}}</ref> Yemeni and U.S. officials both distanced themselves from the attack in the aftermath. A Yemeni inquiry into the raid uncovered that the attacks ultimately killed 55 people; 14 AQAP fighters and 41 civilians.<ref name="New Yorker">{{cite news |last1=Filkins |first1=Dexter |date=2013-02-06 |title=What We Don't Know About Drones |url=http://www.newyorker.com/news/daily-comment/what-we-dont-know-about-drones |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240712120639/https://www.newyorker.com/news/daily-comment/what-we-dont-know-about-drones |archive-date=2024-07-12 |access-date=2024-10-09 |agency=The New Yorker}}</ref>

On 13 January, Yemeni security forces battled AQAP in [[Habban District|Habban district]], [[Shabwah Governorate|Shabwah governorate]]. Yemeni forces had surrounded the residence of AQAP cell leader [[Abdullah Mehdar]], leading to clashes within the district. AQAP fighters ambushed an army unit travelling on a nearby road in order to divert attention from Medhar, killing 2two soldiers. Medhar was eventually killed in the battle, while 4four AQAP members were arrested.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Raghavan |first=Sudarsan |date=2010-01-14 |title=Yemeni forces kill al-Qaeda leader |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/national/2010/01/14/yemeni-forces-kill-alqaeda-leader/0819c6a7-01fd-4392-acb9-db28bfee83ac/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240926233306/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/national/2010/01/14/yemeni-forces-kill-alqaeda-leader/0819c6a7-01fd-4392-acb9-db28bfee83ac/ |archive-date=2024-09-26 |access-date=2024-09-26 |newspaper=Washington Post |language=en-US |issn=0190-8286}}</ref>

On 20 September, the Yemeni government ensigned the town of Huta, Shabwah, where 80 to 100 AQAP militants were reportedly in control. In the initial assault, 3three AQAP members and 2two soldiers were reported to have been killed.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2010-09-20 |title=Thousands flee fighting in Yemen's Shabwa province |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-11375786 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230627065544/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-11375786 |archive-date=2023-06-27 |access-date=2024-09-17 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref> On 22 September, 4four people were killed with another 3three injured during clashes in the town. The same day, Yemeni forces detained more than 20 gunmen presumed to be members of AQAP. The Yemeni government ended the siege on 24 September, with 5 AQAP members killed and 32 detained in total.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2010-09-26 |title=FACTBOX-Security developments in Yemen |url=http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/LDE68P0E0.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101006061046/http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/LDE68P0E0.htm |archive-date=2010-10-06 |access-date=2024-09-17 |website=Reuters}} [http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/LDE68P0E0.htm Alt URL]</ref>

On 24 November, a suicide bomber attacked a convoy heading to the funeral of [[Badreddin al-Houthi]], father of [[Houthi movement|Houthi]] founder [[Abdul-Malik al-Houthi]], killing 1one person and injuring 8eight. The incident occurred in [[Dahyan|Dahyun]] while the convoy was on their way to [[Saada]]. AQAP was suspected of conducting the attack.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=2010-11-26 |title=Suicide bomber kills one, wounds eight headed for Yemen rebel funeral |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/585861/newspaper/column |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240915022753/https://www.dawn.com/news/585861/newspaper/column |archive-date=2024-09-15 |access-date=2024-09-15 |website=Dawn |language=en}}</ref> AQAP were reported to have used civilians as [[human shield]]s during the battle.

On 7 January, 12twelve soldiers were killed in an AQAP ambush in [[Lawdar]], Abyan. The next day, AQAP fighters attacked a military checkpoint in [[Lahij Governorate|Lahij governorate]], killing 4four soldiers.<ref>{{cite news |date=8 January 2011 |title=Four Yemeni soldiers killed in southern attack |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE7070JA20110108 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110122125104/http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE7070JA20110108 |archive-date=22 January 2011 |access-date=30 June 2017 |work=Reuters}}</ref>

On 6 March, AQAP claimed responsibility for two attacks which killed 5five Yemeni soldiers altogether. 4Four soldiers, aparta part of the [[Republican Guard (Yemen)|Republican Guard]] were killed in an ambush on a convoy in [[Marib Governorate|Marib governorate]], while an army colonel was shot and killed in [[Zinjibar]], Abyan.<ref>{{cite news |date=2011-03-06 |title=Yemeni Soldiers Killed in Attacks |url=http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/03/20113685346945172.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110405190533/http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/03/20113685346945172.html |archive-date=5 April 2011 |access-date=2024-09-15 |publisher=Al Jazeera}}</ref>

AQAP took advantage of the chaos caused by the [[Yemeni revolution]] to seize significant territory in the southern Abyan governorate. On 28 March, AQAP seized the town of [[Jaʽār]], Abyan after army forces withdrew from the city after clashing with the militants over the weekend.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Finn |first=Tom |date=2011-03-28 |title=Yemen munitions factory explosion leaves over 120 dead |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/mar/28/yemen-arab-and-middle-east-protests |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210910100701/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/mar/28/yemen-arab-and-middle-east-protests |archive-date=2021-09-10 |access-date=2024-10-09 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> The next day, [[Jaʽār munitions factory explosion|a massive explosion]] in a weapons factory near the town killed 150 people.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2011-03-29 |title=Yemeni arms factory blast toll rises amid protests |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12902310 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110331132038/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12902310 |archive-date=2011-03-31 |access-date=2024-10-09 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref> On 25 March, 3three AQAP militants were killed by security forces in Lawdar. On 26 March, 5five AQAP fighters died after attacking a military checkpoint in Lawdar.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2011-03-26 |title=Five suspected al Qaeda militants killed in Yemen |url=http://in.reuters.com/article/2011/03/26/idINIndia-55899620110326?feedType=RSS&feedName=worldNews |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190908074406/https://in.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-55899620110326?feedType=RSS&feedName=worldNews |archive-date=2019-09-08 |access-date=2024-10-09 |website=Reuters}}</ref> On 31 March, AQAP declared an "Islamic Emirate" in Abyan, reportedly seizing most of the governorate by the time of their announcement.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wyler |first=Grace |date=2011-03-31 |title=Al Qaeda Declares Southern Yemeni Province An "Islamic Emirate" |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/al-qaeda-declares-southern-yemeni-province-an-islamic-emirate-2011-3 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110401192712/https://www.businessinsider.com/al-qaeda-declares-southern-yemeni-province-an-islamic-emirate-2011-3 |archive-date=2011-04-01 |access-date=2024-09-15 |website=Business Insider |language=en-US}}</ref>

On 13 May, an AQAP ambush on a Yemeni army convoy in Marib left at least 5five soldiers dead. The attacker had fired an RPG at the convoy.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2011-05-13 |title=Soldiers killed in suspected al Qaeda ambush |url=https://www.france24.com/en/20110513-yemen-soldiers-killed-suspected-al-qaeda-ambush-osama-bin-laden-aqap-saleh |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110517083356/https://www.france24.com/en/20110513-yemen-soldiers-killed-suspected-al-qaeda-ambush-osama-bin-laden-aqap-saleh |archive-date=2011-05-17 |access-date=2024-09-15 |website=France 24 |language=en}}</ref>

On 30 September, American-Yemeni cleric and alleged AQAP member [[Anwar al-Awlaki]] was killed in a U.S. drone strike in the town of Khashef, [[Al Jawf Governorate|al-Jawf governorate]], while travelling in a vehicle.<ref name=":22">{{Cite web |date=2011-09-30 |title=Awlaki killed in Yemen |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2011/9/30/anwar-al-awlaki-killed-in-yemen |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240623055701/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2011/9/30/anwar-al-awlaki-killed-in-yemen |archive-date=2024-06-23 |access-date=2024-09-15 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}</ref> Awlaki was previously the target of a drone strike on 5 May, though he evaded the attack which instead killed 2two AQAP members in their car.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2011-05-06 |title=US drone misses American-born terror boss in Yemen |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna42937747 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230209072345/https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna42937747 |archive-date=2023-02-09 |access-date=2024-09-16 |website=NBC News |language=en}}</ref> The U.S. government placed Awlaki on a [[Disposition Matrix|CIA kill list]] and froze his assets a year before, accusing him of inciting and directing multiple terror plots in the United States, including the [[2009 Fort Hood shooting]] and the [[Northwest Airlines Flight 253|attempted bombing of Northwest Airlines Flight 253]].<ref name=":23">{{Cite web |last=Shane |first=Scott |title=U.S. Approves Targeted Killing of American Cleric |date=2010-04-06 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/07/world/middleeast/07yemen.html?hp |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240608062657/https://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/07/world/middleeast/07yemen.html?hp |archive-date=2024-06-08 |access-date=2024-09-15 |website=The New York Times}}</ref> The attack had also killed [[Samir Khan]], an American citizen from Saudi Arabia who, along with Awlaki, was anthe editor and publisher of AQAP's magazine, ''Inspire''.<ref name=":24">{{Cite news |last1=Harris |first1=Paul |last2=Chulov |first2=Martin |date=2011-09-30 |title=Anwar al-Awlaki, al-Qaida cleric and top US target, killed in Yemen |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/sep/30/anwar-al-awlaki-killed-yemen |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240228020658/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/sep/30/anwar-al-awlaki-killed-yemen |archive-date=2024-02-28 |access-date=2024-09-15 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref>

On 9 April, AQAP attempted to gain control of [[Lawdar]], a town close to Zinjibar that possesses an important strategic position between multiple governorates. Fighters surrounded the town before invading it, but the military and allied tribesman maintained control. A totla of 24 militants and 14 soldiers were killed in the initial assault.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-04-09 |title=Yemen: 44 killed in clashes with al-Qaeda fighters |url=http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/story/2012-04-09/yemen-lawder-qaeda/54127340/1 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120409235647/http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/story/2012-04-09/yemen-lawder-qaeda/54127340/1 |archive-date=2012-04-09 |access-date=2024-09-18 |website=USA Today}}</ref> By 13 April at least 200 were killed in the battle, with AQAP forces suffering repeated losses within the town, forcing them to retreat to the neighbouring mountains.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-04-13 |title=Toll hits 200 in battle with Qaeda for Yemen town |url=http://www.france24.com/en/20120413-toll-hits-200-battle-with-qaeda-yemen-town |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120413234524/http://www.france24.com/en/20120413-toll-hits-200-battle-with-qaeda-yemen-town |archive-date=2012-04-13 |access-date=2024-09-15 |website=France 24}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Almasmari |first=Hakim |date=2012-04-12 |title=Yemen government says it killed 42 in clashes with militants |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2012/04/12/world/africa/yemen-militants-clashes/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120413073514/http://edition.cnn.com/2012/04/12/world/africa/yemen-militants-clashes/index.html |archive-date=2012-04-13 |access-date=2024-09-15 |website=CNN |language=en}}</ref> Fighting resumed on 18 April when AQAP attacked the town with mortar shells, prompting air strikes from the government.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-04-18 |title=South Yemen violence kills 2 children, 6 militants |url=http://www.foxnews.com/world/2012/04/18/south-yemen-violence-kills-2-children-6-militants/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120419094206/http://www.foxnews.com/world/2012/04/18/south-yemen-violence-kills-2-children-6-militants/ |archive-date=2012-04-19 |access-date=2024-09-15 |website=Fox News}} [http://www.foxnews.com/world/2012/04/18/south-yemen-violence-kills-2-children-6-militants/ Alt URL]</ref> The army captured the nearby Yasouf mountains on 17 May, forcing AQAP forces into fleeing.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-05-18 |title=Yemen says Al-Qaeda fighters fleeing Loder |url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/335646/amp |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240915192909/https://www.arabnews.com/node/335646/amp |archive-date=2024-09-15 |access-date=2024-09-15 |website=Arab News |language=en}}</ref>

The Yemeni government launched an offensive in Abyan on 11 May in order to drive out AQAP forces from key cities.<ref name=":12" /> On 14 May, heavy fighting occurred near Jaʽār which carried over into the next day, killing 8eight AQAP fighters and a Yemeni soldier. On 15 May, airstrikes on vehicles in Jaʽār killed 7 supposed militants and three3 others in a house, with at least 44 people., including 30 militants, being killed during the day.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-05-15 |title=At least 44 killed in offensive on Yemen militants |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/world/at-least-44-killed-in-offensive-on-yemen-militants-idUSDEE84E0IQ/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120518111753/http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/at-least-44-killed-in-offensive-on-yemen-militants |archive-date=2012-05-18 |access-date=2024-10-09 |website=Reuters}}</ref> Over 20 and 21 May, 33 AQAP fighters and 19 soldiers would be killed from clashes in Jaʽār.<ref name=":12">{{Cite news |date=2012-05-21 |title='Al-Qaeda attack' on Yemen army parade causes carnage |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-18142695 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160108094846/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-18142695 |archive-date=2016-01-08 |access-date=2024-09-15 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref> On 21 May, a man wearing a belt of explosives carried out [[2012 Sana'a bombing|a suicide attack on military personnel]] preparing for a parade rehearsal in Sana'a for [[Unity Day (Yemen)|Unity Day]]. The attack killed over 90 people and injured 200 more. Ansar al-Sharia claimed responsibility for the attack as a response to the government offensive in Abyan.<ref name="AJ215">{{cite web |url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/05/201252175919491219.html |title=Al-Qaeda claims deadly Yemen suicide blast |date=21 May 2012 |publisher=Al Jazeera |access-date=20 May 2012 |archive-date=21 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120521170403/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/05/201252175919491219.html |url-status=live }}</ref> On 24 May, AQAP launched a counter-attack on the army in Jaʽār through the [[Wadi Bana]]. The attack resulted in the deaths of 35 of their fighters, bringing the total count to 215. Yemeni forces then proceeded to take control of Wadi Bana.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-05-24 |title=Yemeni army kills 35 fighters in the south |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2012/5/24/yemeni-army-kills-35-fighters-in-the-south |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220703125910/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2012/5/24/yemeni-army-kills-35-fighters-in-the-south |archive-date=2022-07-03 |access-date=2024-09-15 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}</ref> By 3 June, Yemeni forces had pushed into central Zinjibar, while clashes were occurring near the western edge of Jaʽār.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-06-03 |title=Troops, insurgents battle in centre of southern Yemen city |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/markets/troops-insurgents-battle-in-centre-of-southern-yemen-city-idUSL5E8H33RX/ |access-date=2024-09-15 |website=Reuters}}</ref> On 11 June the Yemeni Air Force launched attacks on the north and west of Jaʽār, killing 16 militants, while land forces were preparing to capture a key hilltop factory overlooking the town.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-06-11 |title=Yemen army battles al-Qaida, says 28 killed |url=http://www.foxnews.com/world/2012/06/11/yemen-new-fighting-in-south-kills-13-militants/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141105184651/http://www.foxnews.com/world/2012/06/11/yemen-new-fighting-in-south-kills-13-militants/ |archive-date=2014-11-05 |access-date=2024-09-15 |website=Fox News}} [http://www.foxnews.com/world/2012/06/11/yemen-new-fighting-in-south-kills-13-militants/ Alt URL]</ref> On 12 June, both Zinjibar and Ja'an were confirmed as completely recaptured by the Yemeni government, with AQAP forces withdrawing to nearby [[Shuqrah]].<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Besheer |first1=Margaret |last2=Lipin |first2=Michael |date=2012-06-12 |title=Yemeni Troops Recapture Southern Cities from al-Qaida |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/yemeni_troops_recapture_southern_town_from_al_qaida/1206277.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170713174317/https://www.voanews.com/a/yemeni_troops_recapture_southern_town_from_al_qaida/1206277.html |archive-date=2017-07-13 |access-date=2024-09-15 |website=Voice of America |language=en}}</ref> On 15 June, army forces took control of Shuqrah after a battle which killed 40 militants. Shuqrah was constituted as AQAP's last major population centre in Abyan.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-06-15 |title=Yemen army seizes third city after Qaeda pullout |url=https://english.ahram.org.eg/News/44968.aspx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130720063126/http://english.ahram.org.eg/News/44968.aspx |archive-date=2013-07-20 |access-date=2024-09-16 |website=Ahram Online}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Mukhashaf |first=Mohammed |date=2012-06-15 |title=Yemen army says seizes Qaeda bastion in major advance |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/2012/06/15/us-yemen-violence-idUSBRE85E0AG20120615/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120616175837/https://www.reuters.com/article/2012/06/15/us-yemen-violence-idUSBRE85E0AG20120615/ |archive-date=2012-06-16 |access-date=2024-09-16 |website=Reuters}}</ref> On 23 June, with mounting military and tribal pressure, AQAP fled Azzan into neighboring provinces. With their retreat from Azzan, AQAP lost their last stronghold in the south.<ref>{{Cite web |last=al-Haj |first=Ahmed |date=2012-06-25 |title=Yemen: Army takes new al-Qaida stronghold |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/yemen-army-takes-new-al-qaida-stronghold/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240917024340/https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/yemen-army-takes-new-al-qaida-stronghold/ |archive-date=2024-09-17 |access-date=2024-09-17 |website=The Seattle Times |language=en-US}}</ref> Mines placed by retreating AQAP forces lead to 73 civilian deaths in the liberated cities by 26 June.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-06-26 |title=Yemen: Al Qaeda land mines planted by fleeing militants kill 73 civilians |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/yemen-al-qaeda-land-mines-planted-by-fleeing-militants-kill-73-civilians/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170212041456/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/yemen-al-qaeda-land-mines-planted-by-fleeing-militants-kill-73-civilians/ |archive-date=2017-02-12 |access-date=2024-09-15 |website=CBS News |language=en-US}}</ref>

On 18 June, an AQAP suicide bomber assassinated Yemeni general [[Salem Ali Qatan]] in Aden. Qatan had led the Abyan offensive which expelled AQAP forces from key cities in the governorate. The assassin detonated his explosive belt next to a vehicle transporting Qatan, killing him as well as 2two other soldiers, along with injuring 12twelve.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-06-18 |title=Yemeni army commander killed in suicide blast |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2012/6/18/yemeni-army-commander-killed-in-suicide-blast |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220313030010/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2012/6/18/yemeni-army-commander-killed-in-suicide-blast |archive-date=2022-03-13 |access-date=2024-09-15 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}</ref>

On 8 December a suspected AQAP ambush in Marib governorate killed 8eight soldiers, inducing a senior officer. On 9 December, government airstrikes on a farm in Marib reportedly killed 4four AQAP members.<ref>{{Cite web |last=al-Haj |first=Ahmed |date=2012-12-09 |title=Yemen tribal officials: Attacks kill 4 militants |url=https://apnews.com/general-news-de4930eb74cf4c1bbc81c152c1943b56 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241010022911/https://apnews.com/general-news-de4930eb74cf4c1bbc81c152c1943b56 |archive-date=2024-10-10 |access-date=2024-10-10 |website=AP News |language=en}}</ref>

On 27 April, AQAP fighters attacked a military checkpoint in Rada'a, killing 5five soldiers and suffering 2two deaths. The same day, AQAP gunmen on a motorcycle assassinated the intelligence chief of Mukalla.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2015-03-25 |title=5 soldiers, 2 al-Qaida militants killed in central Yemen, intelligence officer assassinated |url=https://www.foxnews.com/world/5-soldiers-2-al-qaida-militants-killed-in-central-yemen-intelligence-officer-assassinated |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220126213801/https://www.foxnews.com/world/5-soldiers-2-al-qaida-militants-killed-in-central-yemen-intelligence-officer-assassinated |archive-date=2022-01-26 |access-date=2024-09-16 |website=Fox News |language=en-US}}</ref>

On 25 May, an AQAP grenade attack on a checkpoint in Al-Shihr, Hadhramaut killed a police officer and a civilian, and wounded two others. The same day, the [[Ministry of Interior (Yemen)|Yemeni Interior Ministry]] stated that AQAP had seized several villages in Hadhramaut, including [[Ghayl Ba Wazir]], supposedly in a bid to establish an emirate in the governorate.<ref>{{cite web |date=26 May 2013 |title=AQAP takes control of villages in eastern Yemen |url=https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2013/05/aqap_takes_control_of_villages.php |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170928055826/https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2013/05/aqap_takes_control_of_villages.php |archive-date=28 September 2017 |access-date=27 September 2017 |work=Long War Journal}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2013-05-25 |title=‘Al'Al-Qaeda’Qaeda' gunmen kill two in Yemen attack |url=https://english.alarabiya.net/News/middle-east/2013/05/25/-Al-Qaeda-gunmen-kill-two-in-Yemen-attack- |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240610235501/https://english.alarabiya.net/News/middle-east/2013/05/25/-Al-Qaeda-gunmen-kill-two-in-Yemen-attack- |archive-date=2024-06-10 |access-date=2024-10-09 |website=Al Arabiya}}</ref>

On 11 August, a suspected AQAP attack near a gas plant in Shabwah killed 5five soldiers. The attackers opened fire on a military checkpoint near the Balhaf terminal before fleeing.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2013-08-11 |title=Yemen violence: Gunmen launch deadly gas plant attack |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-23655421 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240619175344/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-23655421 |archive-date=2024-06-19 |access-date=2024-09-15 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref>

On 20 September, AQAP launched coordinated attacks on multiple military encampments across Shabwah, killing at least 38 and wounding dozens. A suicide bomber rammed their vehicle into one site at a base in [[Mayfa'a District|al-Mayfa'a district]] after militants overpowered the guards. Firefights in another site of the base leadled to more casualties. A car bomb at a base in [[Ain District|al-Ain district]] exploded prematurely, leading to a heavy firefight which resulted in the militants seizing multiple soldiers and vehicles. 8Eight AQAP fighters were killed in the fighting.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2013-09-20 |title=Al-Qaeda militants kill 38 troops in Yemen attacks |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/al-qaeda-militants-kill-38-troops-in-yemen-attacks-1.1861592 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130926123718/http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/al-qaeda-militants-kill-38-troops-in-yemen-attacks-1.1861592 |archive-date=2013-09-26 |access-date=2024-09-16 |website=CBC News}}</ref>

On 29 April, the Yemeni government launched an offensive against AQAP strongholds in Abyan and Shabwah governorates. The offensives specifically targeted the mountainous [[Al Mahfad District|al-Mahfad district]] in Abyan and the town of 'Azzan in Shabwah, where AQAP forces had entrenched themselves after being forced out of population centres in the south. The same day, the army reported killing 8 AQAP militants and suffering 3 deaths, while an AQAP ambush on a convoy in Shabwah killed 15 soldiers.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2014-04-29 |title=Yemen army launches major al-Qaeda offensive in south |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-27212888 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230627065546/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-27212888 |archive-date=2023-06-27 |access-date=2024-09-17 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref> On 1 May, 7 AQAP fighters, including Uzbek commander Abu Muslim al-Uzbeki were killed by fighting in al-Mahfad.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-05-01 |title=Yemeni Army Kills 7 al-Qaida Fighters |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/yemeni-army-kills-7-al-qaida-fighters/1905512.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170620141058/https://www.voanews.com/a/yemeni-army-kills-7-al-qaida-fighters/1905512.html |archive-date=2017-06-20 |access-date=2024-09-17 |website=Voice of America |language=en}}</ref> On 3 May, 5 militants were killed in by airstrikes in Shabwah. The next day, the military reported killing 20 AQAP members and wounding dozens more.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-05-04 |title=Army kills 40 Al Qaeda suspects in south Yemen — ministry |url=https://jordantimes.com/news/region/army-kills-40-al-qaeda-suspects-south-yemen-%E2%80%94-ministry |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816100141/https://jordantimes.com/news/region/army-kills-40-al-qaeda-suspects-south-yemen-%E2%80%94-ministry |archive-date=2017-08-16 |access-date=2024-09-16 |website=Jordan Times |language=en}}</ref> On 6 May, al-Mahfad was captured by the army after a battle which killed "dozens" of AQAP fighters, who were forced to flee.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-05-06 |title=Yemeni military seizes southern al Qaeda stronghold |url=https://www.france24.com/en/20140506-yemen-army-seizes-stronghold-qaeda-linked-militants-aqap |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140506191212/https://www.france24.com/en/20140506-yemen-army-seizes-stronghold-qaeda-linked-militants-aqap |archive-date=2014-05-06 |access-date=2024-09-17 |website=France 24 |language=en}}</ref> By 8 May, the army had secured al-Mahfad and Azzan.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-05-08 |title=Western Missions in Yemen on Alert as Army Moves Against al-Qaida |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/western-missions-in-yemen-on-alert-as-army-moves-against-al-qaeda/1910561.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240624044917/https://www.voanews.com/a/western-missions-in-yemen-on-alert-as-army-moves-against-al-qaeda/1910561.html |archive-date=2024-06-24 |access-date=2024-09-16 |website=Voice of America |language=en}}</ref>[[File:AQAP fighters in Yemen, 2014.jpg|thumb|left|240x240px|AQAP fighters in Yemen, 2014.]]On 9 May, at least 4four Yemeni soldiers were killed in a skirmish when a vehicle attacked the gates of the [[Presidential Palace, Yemen|Presidential Palace]] in Sana'a. Authorities claimed that AQAP was responsible.<ref name="BBC 9-5-14">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-27352009 |title=Yemen soldiers killed near Sanaa presidential palace |publisher=BBC |date=9 May 2014 |access-date=9 May 2014 |archive-date=10 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140510030023/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-27352009 |url-status=live }}</ref>

On 25 June, AQAP launched an attack on [[Seiyun Airport|Seiyun airport]], Hadhramaut. Gunmen stormed the airport, killing 3three soldiers and briefly seizing it before army reinforcements resecured it, killing 6six of the militants and capturing 4four.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-06-26 |title=Armed fighters attack Yemen's Seiyun airport |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2014/6/26/armed-fighters-attack-yemens-seiyun-airport |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240609180108/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2014/6/26/armed-fighters-attack-yemens-seiyun-airport |archive-date=2024-06-09 |access-date=2024-09-16 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}</ref>

On 21 September, the Houthis [[Houthi takeover in Yemen|took control]] of the capital of Yemen, Sana'a, after a [[Battle of Sanaa (2014)|brief battle]] with government forces. The same day, the [[Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi|Hadi]] government and the Houthis agreed to form a joint-unity government. The [[Shiite]] Houthis, whoswhose [[Houthi insurgency|insurgency]] had previously operated predominantly in northern Yemen, had now positioned themselves directly adjacent to AQAP's sphere of influence in the central and southern governorates, leading to conflict that would persist over the rest of AQAPs insurgency in Yemen.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2014-10-15 |title=Shia Houthi rebels and al-Qaeda clash in south Yemen |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-29627772 |access-date=2024-09-17 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Reardon |first=Martin |date=2014-11-18 |title=The rise of the Houthis |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2014/11/18/the-rise-of-the-houthis |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240616041055/https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2014/11/18/the-rise-of-the-houthis/ |archive-date=2024-06-16 |access-date=2024-09-17 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}</ref>

On 4 October, an AQAP attack in [[Al Bayda, Yemen|al-Bayda]] city killed at least 9nine people. AQAP had attacked the city as they saw it as "sympathetic" to the Houthis.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2014-10-08 |title=Nine killed as al-Qaeda attacks south Yemen town |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-29534934 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220818025523/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-29534934 |archive-date=2022-08-18 |access-date=2024-09-16 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref>

On 15 October, Houthis and AQAP forces clashed in Rada'a, killing at least 10ten people. The clashes had occurred after the Houthis had attempted to take control of areas surrounding the town.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2014-10-15 |title=Shia Houthi rebels and al-Qaeda clash in south Yemen |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-29627772 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220803213806/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-29627772 |archive-date=2022-08-03 |access-date=2024-09-16 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref> The same day, the Houthis had seized the AQAP stronghold of [[Ibb]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-10-16 |title=Houthi fighters seize Yemen city of Ibb |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2014/10/16/houthi-fighters-seize-yemen-city-of-ibb |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240604025913/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2014/10/16/houthi-fighters-seize-yemen-city-of-ibb/ |archive-date=2024-06-04 |access-date=2024-09-16 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}</ref> Further clashes occurred on 16 October, killing another 10ten Houthi fighters. AQAP also released a statement the same day claiming to have captured [[Al Udayn District|Odien]], a small town close to Ibb, for a short time in order to not let the Houthis seize it.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-10-17 |title=Houthi and al-Qaeda clash |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2014/10/17/houthi-and-al-qaeda-fighters-clash-in-yemen |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240104225610/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2014/10/17/houthi-and-al-qaeda-fighters-clash-in-yemen |archive-date=2024-01-04 |access-date=2024-09-16 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}</ref> By 27 October, the fighting had killed more than 250 people, as AQAP recruited more Sunni tribesmen against the Houthis, who at that point occupied a large portion of the city.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-10-27 |title=Houthis face resistance in Yemeni province |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2014/10/27/houthis-face-resistance-in-yemeni-province |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111230743/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2014/10/27/houthis-face-resistance-in-yemeni-province |archive-date=2020-11-11 |access-date=2024-09-16 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}</ref> On 10 November, AQAP launched a counterattack on the Houthis in Rada'a, killing at least 30 people, while a truce was signed between AQAP and the Houthis in Odien.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-11-10 |title=Dozens killed in clashes in southern Yemen |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2014/11/10/dozens-killed-in-clashes-in-southern-yemen |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006041918/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2014/11/10/dozens-killed-in-clashes-in-southern-yemen/ |archive-date=2022-10-06 |access-date=2024-09-16 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}</ref>

On 26 November, United States [[United States Navy SEALs|Navy SEALs]] from [[SEAL Team Six|DEVGRU]] collaborated with Yemeni special forces [[2014 hostage rescue operations in Yemen|in a hostage rescue mission]] to free American journalist [[Luke Somers]], along with multiple other hostages held by AQAP. The mission took place in northern Hadhramaut, along the border with Saudi Arabia. The team engaged AQAP in a firefight near a cave housing the hostages, killing 7seven militants. The raid rescued 8eight hostages of various nationalities, but they did not include Somers, who was moved to another area alongside 4four other hostages days before the raid.<ref name=":25">{{Cite web |last=Martinez |first=Luis |date=2014-11-27 |title=Yemenis Say American Moved Days Before Special Ops Mission to Free Hostages in Yemen |url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/special-ops-team-frees-al-qaeda-hostages-yemeni/story?id=27194197 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141201012723/https://abcnews.go.com/International/special-ops-team-frees-al-qaeda-hostages-yemeni/story?id=27194197 |archive-date=2014-12-01 |access-date=2024-09-15 |website=ABC News |language=en}}</ref> Later in December, AQAP published a video threatening to kill Somers within 72 hours of its release. [[2014 hostage rescue operations in Yemen#Second raid|Another rescue mission]] subsequently occurred on 6 December in southern Shabwah. 40Forty SEALs backed by Yemeni special forces attempted to infiltrate the AQAP compound housing the targets, but they were spotted about 100 metres away, leading to heavy skirmishes. Upon entering the compound, 2two hostages, including Somers, were found shot, while the 3three other hostages were missing. Both hostages eventually died while being transported.<ref name=":26">{{Cite web |date=2014-12-06 |title=Hostages Luke Somers and Pierre Korkie killed during rescue attempt in Yemen |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/hostages-luke-somers-and-pierre-korkie-killed-during-rescue-attempt-in-yemen-1.2862963 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141207000328/https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/hostages-luke-somers-and-pierre-korkie-killed-during-rescue-attempt-in-yemen-1.2862963 |archive-date=2014-12-07 |access-date=2024-09-14 |website=CBC}}</ref>

On 3 December, a suicide car bomb targeted the home of the Iranian ambassador to Yemen in Sana'a, killing 3 people and injuring 17. AQAP was suspected to have donemade the attack, seeing that the Houthis enjoy support from the Iranian government.<ref>{{Cite news |last= |date=2014-12-03 |title=Yemen car bomb targets Iran ambassador |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/03/yemen-car-bomb-iran-ambassador-sanaa |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240909053222/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/03/yemen-car-bomb-iran-ambassador-sanaa |archive-date=2024-09-09 |access-date=2024-09-17 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref>

On 5 February, AQAP announced the death of senior Sharia cleric [[Harith bin Ghazi al-Nadhari|Harith al-Nadhari]] to a U.S. drone strike on 31 January. Al-Nadhari was killed while travelling in a vehicle in Shabwah along with 3 other AQAP members.<ref name=":18">{{Cite web |date=2015-02-05 |title=AQAP says senior leader Harith an-Nadhari killed in drone strike in Yemen |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/aqap-says-senior-leader-harith-nadhari-killed-drone-strike-yemen/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240706153601/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/aqap-says-senior-leader-harith-nadhari-killed-drone-strike-yemen/ |archive-date=2024-07-06 |access-date=2024-09-19 |website=CBS News |language=en-US}}</ref>

[[President of Yemen|President]] [[Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi]] resigned on 21 January, leading to the Houthis seizing the Presidential Palace a few days later and consolidating their power. After the Houthis dissolved parliament and established their own [[Supreme Political Council|interim government]] on 6 February, Hadi fled Sana'a on 21 February to [[Aden]], where he later rescinded his abdication and labeled [[Cabinet of Yemen|his government]] as the legitimate representatives of Yemen.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2015-02-06 |title=Yemen crisis: Houthi rebels announce takeover |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-31169773 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240916022607/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-31169773 |archive-date=2024-09-16 |access-date=2024-09-19 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last= |first= |date=2015-02-24 |title=Yemen's president retracts resignation after escape from house arrest |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/feb/24/yemens-president-retracts-resignation-after-escape-from-house-arrest |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221203222157/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/feb/24/yemens-president-retracts-resignation-after-escape-from-house-arrest |archive-date=2022-12-03 |access-date=2024-09-19 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> Hadi fled Yemen on 25 March as a [[Saudi-led intervention in the Yemeni civil war|ten-country coalition led by Saudi Arabia]] and endorsed by the United States announced their intervention in Yemen in support of the internationally recognized government and against the Houthis.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2015-03-26 |title=Saudi Arabia, allies launch air campaign in Yemen against Houthi fighters |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2015/03/25/saudi-arabia-allies-launch-air-strikes-on-houthi-rebels-in-yemen--saudi-envoy.html |access-date=2024-09-19 |website=CNBC |language=en}}</ref> Al-QaedaAQAP's insurgency had been transitioned into Yemen's [[Yemeni civil war (2014–present)|full-scale civil war]], a conflict which they would exploit to gain an unprecedented amount of power. AQAP, despite their hostility to Yemen's government, decided to fight on the same side as them in order to counter the Houthis.<ref name=":2" />{{Main|Battle of Mukalla (2015)}}

On 20 March, AQAP captured the capital of [[Lahij Governorate|Lahij governorate]], [[Lahij|al-Houta]], killing 20 soldiers and occupying the city for multiple hours before being driven out.<ref>{{Cite news |last= |date=2015-03-21 |title=Yemen mosque bombings 'could only be done by the enemies of life' – president |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/mar/21/yemen-mosque-bombings-enemies-of-life-president-abedrabbo-mansour-hadi-houthi-isis-al-qaida |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240913161731/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/mar/21/yemen-mosque-bombings-enemies-of-life-president-abedrabbo-mansour-hadi-houthi-isis-al-qaida |archive-date=2024-09-13 |access-date=2024-09-23 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> By late-March, most army and coalition forces were battling the Houthis, who were [[Battle of Aden (2015)|attempting to push into Aden]]. This gave AQAP an opportunity to make major gains in regions away from the Houthi conflict.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Kirkpatrick |first1=David |last2=Fahim |first2=Kareem |date=2015-04-02 |title=Affiliate of Al Qaeda Seizes Major Yemeni City, Driving Out the Military |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/04/world/middleeast/al-qaeda-al-mukalla-yemen.html?_r=0 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240920223500/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/03/world/middleeast/yemen-al-qaeda-attack.html?partner=rss&emc=rss&smid=tw-nytimesworld |archive-date=2024-09-20 |access-date=2024-09-20 |website=The New York Times}}</ref> On 2 April, AQAP fighters stormed the capital of Hadhramaut governorate, [[Mukalla]], breaching its central prison and releasing over 300 inmates, about a third of which were believed to be AQAP affiliated. Among the released included senior commander [[Khalid Batarfi]], who led AQAP's Abyan offensive in 2011.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Boghani |first=Priyanka |date=2024-03-04 |title=With Yemen in Turmoil, Al Qaeda Breaks Hundreds Out of Prison |url=https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/article/with-yemen-in-turmoil-al-qaeda-breaks-hundreds-out-of-prison/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240304124215/https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/article/with-yemen-in-turmoil-al-qaeda-breaks-hundreds-out-of-prison/ |archive-date=2024-03-04 |access-date=2024-09-21 |website=PBS}}</ref> The militants had also seized key government buildings within the city, such as the presidential palace and the central bank, the latter of which they looted more than US$1 million from. By the next day, Mukalla, the fifth-largest city in Yemen, had fallen completely to AQAP as the military was driven out by mortar fire.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Al-Batati |first1=Saeed |last2=Fahim |first2=Kareem |date=2015-04-03 |title=Affiliate of Al Qaeda Seizes Major Yemeni City, Driving Out the Military |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/04/world/middleeast/al-qaeda-al-mukalla-yemen.html?_r=0 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240816191213/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/04/world/middleeast/al-qaeda-al-mukalla-yemen.html?_r=0 |archive-date=2024-08-16 |access-date=2024-09-20 |website=The New York Times}}</ref> On 4 April, the [[Hadhramaut Tribal Alliance]], a pro-government tribal militia, occupied 2 army bases and began to enter the city to battle AQAP.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2015-04-04 |title=Yemen Tribal Forces Vow to Retake Mukalla From al-Qaida |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/yemen-tribal-forces-vow-to-retake-mukalla-from-al-qaida/2706647.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230609145517/https://www.voanews.com/a/yemen-tribal-forces-vow-to-retake-mukalla-from-al-qaida/2706647.html |archive-date=2023-06-09 |access-date=2024-09-21 |website=Voice of America |language=en}}</ref> By 7 April, AQAP had reportedly lost nearly half of the city to the tribesmen.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2015-04-07 |title=Suspected al Qaeda militants take Yemen border post with Saudi |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSKBN0MY18F20150407/?irpc=932 |access-date=2024-09-20 |website=Reuters}}</ref> On 12 April, a U.S. drone strike in Mukalla killed multiple AQAP members, including senior cleric [[Ibrahim al-Rubaysh]].<ref>{{Cite magazine |last= |first= |date=2015-04-14 |title=Drone Attack Kills Top Cleric, al-Qaeda Branch Says |url=https://time.com/3821486/yemen-al-qaeda-branch-cleric-drone/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231215072302/https://time.com/3821486/yemen-al-qaeda-branch-cleric-drone/ |archive-date=2023-12-15 |access-date=2024-09-21 |magazine=Time |language=en}}</ref> AQAP militants seized Mukalla's [[Riyan Airport|Rayan airport]], a nearby oil terminal on the coast of the city, and the city's main army base on 16 April. The next day, the group seized a large weapons depot near the city, capturing dozens of tanks, rocket launchers and small arms. After forging a truce with the local tribes of the city, AQAP had consolidated their power in Mukalla.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2015-04-17 |title=Al-Qaida in Yemen Takes Massive Weapons Depot From Army |url=http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2015/04/17/world/middleeast/ap-ml-yemen.html?_r=0 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150519023856/http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2015/04/17/world/middleeast/ap-ml-yemen.html?_r=0 |archive-date=2015-05-19 |access-date=2024-09-20 |website=The New York Times}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Bennett |first1=Brian |last2=King |first2=Laura |date=2015-04-17 |title=Al Qaeda in Yemen using chaos of war to carve out terrorism haven |url=https://www.latimes.com/world/middleeast/la-fg-us-alqaeda-20150418-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240623053804/https://www.latimes.com/world/middleeast/la-fg-us-alqaeda-20150418-story.html |archive-date=2024-06-23 |access-date=2024-09-21 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}</ref> Soon after, the group transferred power to a civilian council, assigning them a budget of over $4 million to maintain the city. AQAP refrained from imposing the strict Sharia law that they once imposed in their Abyan emirate, their only notable presence in the city being a police station where they mediated local disputes.<ref name=":36">{{Cite web |last=Hubbard |first=Ben |date=2015-06-09 |title=Al Qaeda Tries a New Tactic to Keep Power: Sharing It |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/10/world/middleeast/qaeda-yemen-syria-houthis.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313004730/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/10/world/middleeast/qaeda-yemen-syria-houthis.html |archive-date=2023-03-13 |access-date=2024-09-20 |website=The New York Times}}</ref> The group reportedly collected an estimated US$2 million daily from customs fees on goods entering through the [[port of Mukalla]].<ref name=":2" />

On 7 May, AQAP released a message announcing the death of [[Nasser bin Ali al-Ansi]], who had been killed on 21–22 April from a U.S. drone strike in Mukalla along with 6 other AQAP members. The senior military strategist was in a vehicle parked next to the presidential palace when he was killed. Al-Ansi had appeared in multiple AQAP messages, including videos announcing the ransom and death of Luke Somers, and a video claiming responsibility for the [[Charlie Hebdo shooting|''Charlie Hebdo'' shooting]].<ref name=":19">{{Cite news |last= |date=2015-05-07 |title=Al-Qaida in Yemen says US drone killed man who claimed Charlie Hebdo attack |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/may/07/yemen-al-qaida-droke-strike-charlie-hebdo |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240913163407/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/may/07/yemen-al-qaida-droke-strike-charlie-hebdo |archive-date=2024-09-13 |access-date=2024-09-21 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref>

On 16 June, AQAP announced the death of leader Nasser al-Wuhayshi from a U.S. drone strike on 11–12 June, along with 2 other militants. The White House labeled Wuhayshi's death a "major blow" to AQAP and the most significant loss in al-Qaeda's leadership since the [[Killing of Osama bin Laden|killing of Osama Bin Laden]] in 2011. At the time of his death, Wuhayshi was essentially second-in-command of al-Qaeda, only behind Ayman al-Zawahiri, and was the main facilitator between all of al-Qaeda's affiliates and their allies. [[Qasim al-Raymi]] was announced to be his successor.<ref name=":15">{{Cite web |last=Dawber |first=Alistair |date=2015-06-16 |title=Death of al-Qaeda leader Nasser al-Wuhayshi in US drone strike in Yemen a 'major blow' to Aqap, says White House |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/death-of-alqaeda-leader-nasser-alwuhayshi-in-us-drone-strike-in-yemen-a-major-blow-to-aqap-says-white-house-10324489.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220522175523/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/death-of-alqaeda-leader-nasser-alwuhayshi-in-us-drone-strike-in-yemen-a-major-blow-to-aqap-says-white-house-10324489.html |archive-date=2022-05-22 |access-date=2024-09-20 |website=The Independent}}</ref><ref name=":16">{{Cite web |last=Boghani |first=Priyanka |date=2015-06-16 |title=Has the U.S. Killed the Most Important Al Qaeda Member Since Bin Laden? |url=https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/article/has-the-u-s-killed-the-most-important-al-qaeda-member-since-bin-laden/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240516061412/https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/article/has-the-u-s-killed-the-most-important-al-qaeda-member-since-bin-laden/ |archive-date=2024-05-16 |access-date=2024-09-21 |website=PBS |language=en-US}}</ref>

A mass prison break in Taiz on 30 June leadled to more than 1,200 inmates escaping, many of them AQAP members. AQAP fighters attacked the prison, provoking heavy clashes and drawing out the guards, allowing the prisoners to flee.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Ghobari |first1=Mohammed |last2=Abdelaty |first2=Ali |date=2015-06-30 |title=Yemen prison break: Al-Qaeda suspects among 1,200 escaped inmates, say officials |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/yemen-prison-break-alqaeda-suspects-among-1-200-escaped-inmates-say-officials-10356424.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240712195629/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/yemen-prison-break-alqaeda-suspects-among-1-200-escaped-inmates-say-officials-10356424.html |archive-date=2024-07-12 |access-date=2024-09-20 |website=The Independent}}</ref>

On 26 January, AQAP recaptured al-Houta, storming several government buildings and blowing up the local police headquarters.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-01-26 |title=Yemen: Al-Qaeda captures capital of Lahj for second time |url=https://www.newarab.com/news/yemen-al-qaeda-captures-capital-lahj-second-time |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240420172532/https://www.newarab.com/news/yemen-al-qaeda-captures-capital-lahj-second-time |archive-date=2024-04-20 |access-date=2024-09-21 |website=The New Arab}}</ref> From there, AQAP would launch [[Southern Abyan Offensive (2016)|an offensive]] to connect their territory in Abyan from the west to Shabwah from the east. On 1 February, AQAP seized the town of Azzan in southeastern Shabwah with seemingly no resistance.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Asher-Schapiro |first=Avi |date=2016-02-01 |title=Al Qaeda Is Making Serious Gains Amid Chaos of Yemen's Civil War |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/al-qaeda-is-making-serious-gains-amid-chaos-of-yemens-civil-war/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240922030028/https://www.vice.com/en/article/al-qaeda-is-making-serious-gains-amid-chaos-of-yemens-civil-war/ |archive-date=2024-09-22 |access-date=2024-09-22 |website=VICE |language=en-US}}</ref> On 4 February, AQAP seized al-Mahfad in Abyan, while a U.S. drone strike killed field commander Jalal Baleedi along with 2 of his bodyguards in Azzan.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Roggio |first=Bill |date=2016-02-11 |title=Al Qaeda seizes more territory in southern Yemen |url=https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2016/02/al-qaeda-seizes-more-territory-in-southern-yemen.php |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240629191027/https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2016/02/al-qaeda-seizes-more-territory-in-southern-yemen.php |archive-date=2024-06-29 |access-date=2024-09-22 |website=FDD's Long War Journal |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":17">{{Cite web |date=2016-02-04 |title=US drone strike kills senior al-Qaeda leader in Yemen |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/2/4/us-drone-strike-kills-senior-al-qaeda-leader-in-yemen |access-date=2024-09-22 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}</ref> On 8 February AQAP captured the town of Shuqrah in Abyan and attempted to capture [[Ahwar]], though they were pushed out.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-02-06 |title=Al Qaeda tightens its grip on south Yemen coast |url=https://jordantimes.com/news/region/al-qaeda-tightens-its-grip-south-yemen-coast |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240424051752/https://jordantimes.com/news/region/al-qaeda-tightens-its-grip-south-yemen-coast |archive-date=2024-04-24 |access-date=2024-09-22 |website=Jordan Times |language=en}}</ref> The major component of AQAP's offensive began on 20 February when hundreds of fighters attacked Ahwar, Abyan, clashing with Popular Committee forces. By the end of the day, AQAP was in control of Ahwar, killing 3 committee soldiers.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-02-20 |title=Al Qaeda militants seize southern Yemen town, kill militia leader: residents |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-yemen-security-idUSKCN0VT0AK/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160220120036/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-yemen-security-idUSKCN0VT0AK/ |archive-date=2016-02-20 |access-date=2024-09-21 |website=Reuters}}</ref> With the fall of Ahwar, AQAP had control of nearly all of the coast in southern Abyan, connecting their emirate from Mukalla in Hadhramaut to Zinjibar in Abyan.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-02-21 |title=Qaeda kills three in sweep of Yemen's south |url=https://www.nation.com.pk/21-Feb-2016/qaeda-kills-three-in-sweep-of-yemen-s-south |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190206130820/https://www.nation.com.pk/21-Feb-2016/qaeda-kills-three-in-sweep-of-yemen-s-south |archive-date=2019-02-06 |access-date=2024-09-22 |website=The Nation |language=en-US}}</ref> Clashes with government loyalists [[Abyan conflict|persisted]] throughout AQAP's occupation.

Anti-AQAP operations by coalition and American forces increased significantly under newly inaugurated [[President of the United States|U.S. president]] [[Donald Trump]].<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2017-03-03 |title=US special ops step up strikes on al-Qaeda and ISIS, insiders say |url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/us-special-ops-step-strikes-al-qaeda-isis/story?id=45889665 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240731064833/https://abcnews.go.com/International/us-special-ops-step-strikes-al-qaeda-isis/story?id=45889665 |archive-date=2024-07-31 |access-date=2024-09-22 |website=ABC News |language=en}}</ref> From 20 to 22 January the U.S. conducted several airstrikes targeting AQAP in the town of al-Bayda, killing 5.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Starr |first1=Barbara |last2=Browne |first2=Ryan |date=2017-01-23 |title=US orders first drone strikes under Trump |url=https://www.cnn.com/2017/01/23/politics/drone-strikes-president-trump/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220927094158/https://www.cnn.com/2017/01/23/politics/drone-strikes-president-trump/index.html |archive-date=2022-09-27 |access-date=2024-09-22 |website=CNN |language=en}}</ref> On 29 January, DEVGRU conducted [[Raid on Yakla|a raid]] in al-Ghayil, a town in the Yakla region of al-Bayda. The raid was authorized in order to collect key AQAP documents and information, as well as the possibility of neutralizing AQAP leader [[Qasim al-Raymi]], whom UAE intelligence suggested could be present. Originally meant to be unexpected, AQAP prematurely detected the SEALs, eventually leading to a heavy firefight in the village which claimed the life of [[William Owens (Navy SEAL)|1 American soldier]] and wounded 5 others. 14 AQAP fighters were killed along with "valuable information" being gathered, but al-Raymi was not killed or captured in the raid. Additionally, at least 16 civilians were killed, including the eight-year-old daughter of Anwar al-Awlaki, [[Killing of Nawar al-Awlaki|Nawar]].<ref name=":27">{{Cite web |last1=McFadden |first1=Cynthia |last2=Arkin |first2=William |last3=Uehlinger |first3=Tim |date=2017-10-02 |title=Inside the Yemen raid: What went wrong? SEAL's father demands answers. |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/how-trump-team-s-first-military-raid-went-wrong-n806246 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171003005520/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/how-trump-team-s-first-military-raid-went-wrong-n806246 |archive-date=2017-10-03 |access-date=2024-09-14 |website=NBC News |language=en}}</ref>

On 23 May, DEVGRU conducted [[Raid on Al Hathla|another raid]] against AQAP in Ma'rib governorate, targeting a compound of the group using 'a combination of small arms fire and precision airstrikes' in order to gather intelligence. The U.S. reported the deaths of 7 AQAP members and no civilians casualties,<ref name=":28">{{Cite web |date=2017-05-23 |title=US raid kills ‘seven'seven al-Qaeda fighters’fighters' in Yemen |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/5/23/us-raid-kills-seven-al-qaeda-fighters-in-yemen |access-date=2024-10-12 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}</ref> however UK-based human rights group ''Reprieve'' reported that the raid had killed 5 civilians and wounded 6, with SEALs killing a blind villager as he walked out of his home and killing 4 more after they began arguing with them after the fact.<ref name=":29">{{Cite news |last=Borger |first=Julian |date=2017-05-24 |title=US raid killed five Yemen civilians, says rights group disputing official story |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/may/24/us-military-yemen-raid-al-qaida-civilian-deaths |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170603193052/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/may/24/us-military-yemen-raid-al-qaida-civilian-deaths |archive-date=2017-06-03 |access-date=2024-09-14 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref>

On 30 January, an AQAP attack on a security checkpoint in Shabwah killed 14 soldiers and wounded multiple others. A suicide bomber had attacked a group of security forces before mortars and machine guns were fired upon them.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-01-30 |title=Al-Qaeda suicide bomb attack in Yemen’sYemen's Shabwa kills 14 soldiers |url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/1235896/middle-east |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220416110544/https://www.arabnews.com/node/1235896/middle-east |archive-date=2022-04-16 |access-date=2024-09-28 |website=Arab News |language=en}}</ref>

The United Arab Emirates significantly increased their counter-terrorism efforts against AQAP during the year, heavily utilizing their proxy groups within the south to do so.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |date=2018-03-28 |title=Which Way Forward for al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula? |url=https://jamestown.org/program/way-forward-al-qaeda-arabian-peninsula/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240229230212/https://jamestown.org/program/way-forward-al-qaeda-arabian-peninsula/ |archive-date=2024-02-29 |access-date=2024-09-28 |website=The Jamestown Foundation |language=en-US}}</ref> On 17 February the UAE-backed [[Hadhrami Elite Forces|Hadhrami Elite Force]] with coalition air support announced Operation al-Faisal, targeting an AQAP stronghold and operations room within the Al-Masini Valley in Hadhramaut after surrounding the area a day before. The Hadhrami Elite seized the outpost on 18 February, killing 20 AQAP militants and losing 8 soldiers, along with capturing multiple AQAP members.<ref>{{Cite web |last=al-Tamimi |first=Nabil |date=2018-02-20 |title=Hadramaut elite forces clear al-Qaeda outpost |url=https://almashareq.com/en_GB/articles/cnmi_am/features/2018/02/20/feature-03 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240226062909/https://almashareq.com/en_GB/articles/cnmi_am/features/2018/02/20/feature-03 |archive-date=2024-02-26 |access-date=2024-09-27 |website=Al-Mashareq |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Mohamed |first=Mubarak |date=2018-02-23 |title=UAE-backed Yemen force captures Al-Qaeda stronghold |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/uae-backed-yemen-force-captures-al-qaeda-stronghold/1071776 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180225071658/https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/uae-backed-yemen-force-captures-al-qaeda-stronghold/1071776 |archive-date=2018-02-25 |access-date=2024-09-27 |website=Anadolu Agency}}</ref> On 26 February, Shabwani Elite forces backed by UAE soldiers launched [[Al-Qaeda insurgency in Yemen#Operation Decisive Sword|an operation]] against AQAP strongholds in Shabwah, securing major roads in the northern portion of the governorate on the same day.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-02-26 |title=UAE 'Operation Decisive Sword' begins in Yemen |url=https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20180226-uae-operation-decisive-sword-begins-in-yemen/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240520095907/https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20180226-uae-operation-decisive-sword-begins-in-yemen/ |archive-date=2024-05-20 |access-date=2024-09-27 |website=Middle East Monitor}}</ref> By 27 February, the Shabwani Elite had cleared as-Said district from AQAP presence.<ref>{{Cite web |last=al-Tamimi |first=Nabil |date=2018-02-27 |title=Shabwa elite forces take on al-Qaeda remnants |url=https://almashareq.com/en_GB/articles/cnmi_am/features/2018/02/27/feature-03 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231002103237/https://almashareq.com/en_GB/articles/cnmi_am/features/2018/02/27/feature-03 |archive-date=2023-10-02 |access-date=2024-09-28 |website=Al-Mashareq |language=en-GB}}</ref> On 7 March, [[Security Belt|Security Belt Forces]] with assistance from the UAE and coalition launched [[Al-Qaeda insurgency in Yemen#Operation Sweeping Torrent|Operation Sweeping Torrent]] to clear al-Mahfad district and Wadi Hamara, some of AQAP's last strongholds in Abyan.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-03-08 |title=UAE ‘Operation'Operation Sweeping Torrent’Torrent' unleashed in Yemen |url=https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20180308-uae-operation-sweeping-torrent-unleashed-in-yemen/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240416074723/https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20180308-uae-operation-sweeping-torrent-unleashed-in-yemen/ |archive-date=2024-04-16 |access-date=2024-09-28 |website=Middle East Monitor}}</ref> On 10 March, the Security Belt raided several AQAP bases in al-Mahfad, arresting 6 AQAP members and seizing large supplies of weapons and munitions as hundreds of militants fled the area.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-03-10 |title=Arab coalition arrests six Al Qaeda members |url=http://www.gulftoday.ae/portal/947e4e87-247e-4b8b-8fb5-426a35fbfbbd.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180428151150/http://www.gulftoday.ae/portal/947e4e87-247e-4b8b-8fb5-426a35fbfbbd.aspx |archive-date=2018-04-28 |access-date=2024-09-28 |website=Gulf Today}}</ref> The operation concluded on 12 March, with both areas being captured by the Security Belt.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-03-12 |title=Anti-Al Qaida battle in Abyan ends |url=https://gulfnews.com/world/gulf/yemen/anti-al-qaida-battle-in-abyan-ends-1.2186523 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240928000523/https://gulfnews.com/world/gulf/yemen/anti-al-qaida-battle-in-abyan-ends-1.2186523 |archive-date=2024-09-28 |access-date=2024-09-28 |website=Gulf News |language=en}}</ref> On 28 April, the Yemeni military, coalition and Hadhrami Elite launched [[Hadramaut insurgency#Operation Black Mountains|Operation Black Mountains]] with the goal of seizing AQAP strongholds in rural Hadhramaut. By 29 April, [[Amd District|Amd]], [[Adh Dhlia'ah District|Dhlia'ah]], Hajr and [[Yabuth District|Yabuth]] districts were all secured from AQAP.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Al Batati |first=Saeed |date=2018-04-29 |title=Elite forces battle Al Qaida in Hadramout, Shabwa |url=https://gulfnews.com/world/gulf/yemen/elite-forces-battle-al-qaida-in-hadramout-shabwa-1.2213416 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240513231834/https://gulfnews.com/world/gulf/yemen/elite-forces-battle-al-qaida-in-hadramout-shabwa-1.2213416 |archive-date=2024-05-13 |access-date=2024-09-28 |website=Gulf News |language=en}}</ref> The various operations secured vast amounts of territories from AQAP.<ref name=":7" />

On 10 May, 500 Security Belt forces launched an attack on an AQAP strongholds in the al-Maraqisha mountains of Abyan. During the battle, an AQAP bombing and ambush of a Security Belt vehicle killed one and injured 11 others.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-05-10 |title=Soldier of UAE-backed security forces killed,3 injured in Abyan |url=https://en.ypagency.net/17688 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230602002537/https://en.ypagency.net/17688 |archive-date=2023-06-02 |access-date=2024-09-28 |website=Yemen Press Agency |language=en-US}}</ref> Security Belt forces secured the mountains after AQAP had fled the area, the battle in total killing five Security Belt soldiers and injuring 19, while 6 AQAP militants were killed.<ref>{{Cite webnews |lastlast1=Raghavan |firstfirst1=Sudarsan |last2=Tugnoli |first2=Lorenzo |date=2018-07-06 |title=Al-Qaeda fights on fiercely in Yemen amid escalating U.S. airstrikes under Trump |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/world/wp/2018/07/06/feature/as-a-u-s-shadow-war-intensifies-in-yemen-al-qaeda-is-down-but-not-out/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180709122222/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/world/wp/2018/07/06/feature/as-a-u-s-shadow-war-intensifies-in-yemen-al-qaeda-is-down-but-not-out/ |archive-date=2018-07-09 |access-date=2024-09-28 |websitenewspaper=Washington Post |language=en}}</ref>

On 6 August, an ''[[Associated Press]]'' investigation revealed that the Saudi-led coalition had been making secret deals with AQAP since 2016 that had them leave their strongholds without conflict. AQAP militants would retreat from the areas with their loot and equipment without being targeted, with the coalition then claiming large victories against AQAP forces. The Yemeni government and coalition see AQAP as essentially on the same side as them in the civil war, deeming the spread of the Iran-aligned Houthis as a bigger threat than the proliferation of AQAP. The report also revealed that hundreds of AQAP members had been recruited by coalition-backed militias due their reputation as exceptional fighters. AQAP membership within the coalition had gotten to the point where it was difficult to discern who was and wasn't AQAP.<ref name=":37">{{Cite web |lastlast1=Michael |firstfirst1=Maggie |last2=Wilson |first2=Trish |last3=Keath |first3=Lee |date=2018-08-07 |title=AP Investigation: US allies, al-Qaida battle rebels in Yemen |url=https://apnews.com/article/saudi-arabia-united-states-ap-top-news-middle-east-international-news-f38788a561d74ca78c77cb43612d50da |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240919220231/https://apnews.com/article/saudi-arabia-united-states-ap-top-news-middle-east-international-news-f38788a561d74ca78c77cb43612d50da |archive-date=2024-09-19 |access-date=2024-09-28 |website=AP News |language=en}}</ref>

A ''CNN'' investigation from 4 February revealed that the coalition had been giving US-manufactured weapons to AQAP-linked fighters. The coalition had essentially been using American weaponry as a 'form of currency' for different groups within the civil war, distributing said weapons to those who ally with them, including groups with members linked to AQAP.<ref>{{Cite web |lastlast1=Elbagir |firstfirst1=Nima |last2=Abdelaziz |first2=Salma |last3=Abo El Gheit |first3=Mohamed |last4=Smith-Spark |first4=Laura |date=2019-02-04 |title=US arms sold to Saudi Arabia and UAE end up in wrong hands |url=https://www.cnn.com/interactive/2019/02/middleeast/yemen-lost-us-arms/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240926155458/https://www.cnn.com/interactive/2019/02/middleeast/yemen-lost-us-arms/ |archive-date=2024-09-26 |access-date=2024-10-06 |website=CNN}}</ref>

On 31 January, ''[[The New York Times]]'' reported three U.S. officials "expressed confidence" that AQAP emir Qasim al-Raymi was killed in an airstrike on 29 January in Yalka, al-Bayda.<ref>{{cite web |date=February 2020 |title=U.S. killed a top al-Qaida leader in Yemen, reports say |url=https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/us-killed-a-top-al-qaeda-leader-in-yemen-reports-say-215555178.html|title=U.S. killed a top al|url-Qaida leader in Yemen, reports say|websitestatus=www.yahoo.com|date=February 2020live |access-date=2020-02-01|archive-date=2020-02-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200201185606/https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/us-killed-a-top-al-qaeda-leader-in-yemen-reports-say-215555178.html |urlarchive-statusdate=live2020-02-01 |access-date=2020-02-01 |website=Yahoo News}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/31/world/middleeast/qaeda-yemen-alrimi.html|title=U.S. Strikes at Leader of Qaeda in Yemen|last1=Callimachi|first1=Rukmini|date=2020-01-31|work=The New York Times|access-date=2020-01-31|last2=Schmitt|first2=Eric|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|last3=Barnes|first3=Julian E.|archive-date=2021-04-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210427180156/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/31/world/middleeast/qaeda-yemen-alrimi.html|url-status=live}}</ref> His death was later confirmed by the White House on 6 February<ref name=":30">{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/white-house-says-u-s-killed-qassim-al-rimi-leader-n1132076|title=White House says U.S. killed Qassim al-Rimi, leader of al-Qaeda in Yemen|website=NBC News|date=7 February 2020 |access-date=2020-02-13|archive-date=2020-02-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200213225250/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/white-house-says-u-s-killed-qassim-al-rimi-leader-n1132076|url-status=live}}</ref> and by AQAP on 23 February, with [[Khalid Batarfi]] being named his successor.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-02-23 |title=AQAP confirms death of leader Qassim al-Rimi |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/2/23/aqap-confirms-death-of-leader-qassim-al-rimi |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201010142445/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/2/23/aqap-confirms-death-of-leader-qassim-al-rimi |archive-date=2020-10-10 |access-date=2024-09-14 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}</ref> The killing of al-Raymi was one of the main contributors to AQAP's decline in activity over the year.<ref name=":2" />

On 2 October, coalition and Yemeni security forces conducted a raid on an AQAP hideout in [[Al Ghaydah|al-Ghaydah]], [[Al Mahrah Governorate|Mahra governorate]]. The raid killed three AQAP members and leadled to the capture of two.<ref>{{Cite web |last=al-Batati |first=Saeed |date=2020-10-02 |title=Yemen kills three Al-Qaeda militants, captures two in raid in Mahra |url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/1743376/middle-east |access-date=2024-10-11 |website=Arab News |language=en}}</ref>

On 18 March, gunmen suspected to be aparta part of AQAP attacked a military checkpoint in Abyan, killing eight soldiers and four civilians.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-03-18 |title=Suspected jihadists kill 12 in Yemen attack: official |url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/1827706/middle-east |access-date=2024-10-12 |website=Arab News |language=en}}</ref>

On 14 November, a U.S. drone strike on a vehicle travelling between Shabwa and al-Bayda injured an AQAP member and their wife. An additional drone strike targeted a vehicle responding to the incident, killing two suspected AQAP members and a civilian.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-11-14 |title=Two al-Qaeda suspects among three killed in Yemen drone strike |url=https://english.alarabiya.net/News/gulf/2021/11/14/Two-al-Qaeda-suspects-among-three-killed-in-Yemen-drone-strike |url-status=live |access-date=2024-10-10 |website=Al Arabiya}}</ref>

On 28 June, a car bombing in Aden killed six people and injured several others. The target of the bombing was the head of security in Lahij governorate, Saleh al-Sayed. Though no group took responsibility for the attack, AQAP was suspected of conducting it.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Car bomb kills at least six in Yemen’sYemen's Aden, officials say |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/6/29/car-bomb-kills-at-least-six-in-yemens-aden-officials-say |access-date=2024-10-12 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}</ref>

On 22 August, the Southern Transitional Council launched [[2022 Southern Yemen offensive|Operation Arrows of the East]] with the goal of expelling AQAP from Abyan governorate. The operation had been launched after the conclusion of an offensive against the Yemeni government and Islah party which captured most of their territory in neighbouring Shabwah.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-08-23 |title=Yemeni president orders separatists to stop military operations |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/8/23/yemeni-president-orders-separatists-to-stop-military-operation |access-date=2024-10-12 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}</ref> On 6 September, AQAP launched an attack on Security Belt Forces in [[Ahwar District|Ahwar district]] which killed 21 STC soldiers and 6 AQAP fighters.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-09-06 |title=Yemen: 27 dead as Al-Qaeda launches attack on southern separatists |url=https://www.newarab.com/news/yemen-27-dead-al-qaeda-launches-attack-separatists |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230601123730/https://www.newarab.com/news/yemen-27-dead-al-qaeda-launches-attack-separatists |archive-date=2023-06-01 |access-date=2024-09-10 |website=The New Arab}}</ref> On 11 September, STC forces reportedly took control of the al-Maraqisha mountains in Abyan and Shabwah, a historic AQAP safehaven in the south.<ref>{{Cite web |last=al-Batati |first=Saeed |date=2022-09-11 |title=Yemen military forces drive Al-Qaeda out of new areas in Abyan, Shabwa |url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/2160556/middle-east |access-date=2024-10-12 |website=Arab News |language=en}}</ref> The same day, the STC announced the second phase of the operation with additional forces being sent to al-Wade'a, Mudiyah, Lawdar, and Ahwar districts to target AQAP strongholds in the governorate.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-10-13 |title=STC Forces Move Farther into Abyan - The Yemen Review, September 2022 |url=https://sanaacenter.org/the-yemen-review/september-2022/18808 |access-date=2024-10-12 |website=Sana'a Center For Strategic Studies |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-09-12 |title=Gulf of Aden Security Review – September 12, 2022 |url=https://www.criticalthreats.org/briefs/gulf-of-aden-security-review/gulf-of-aden-security-review-september-12-2022 |access-date=2024-10-12 |website=Critical Threats}}</ref> On 12 September, an AQAP IED detonated near an STC vehicle travelling in Mudiyah, killing three soldiers and injuring six.<ref>{{Cite web |last=al-Batati |first=Saeed |date=2022-09-12 |title=Three soldiers killed in Al-Qaeda counterattacks in Yemen’sYemen's Abyan |url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/2161141/middle-east |access-date=2024-10-12 |website=Arab News |language=en}}</ref> On 14 September STC forces entered Wadi Omran, east of Mudiyah District, in what was labeled as the third phase of the operation.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-09-14 |title=Southern forces enter Wadi Omran, the largest stronghold of al-Qaeda in Abyan |url=https://newsyemen.net/new/87575 |access-date=2024-10-12 |website=News Yemen |language=ar}}</ref> On 18 September the STC announced that it had secured Wadi Omran, one of AQAP's last strongholds in Abyan, and captured a major base within it. The battle killed 32 STC soldiers and wounded 42, along with killing 24 AQAP members.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hussein |first=Shukri |date=2022-09-18 |title=Yemen separatists seize al-Qaeda stronghold in Abyan |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/yemen-separatists-seize-al-qaeda-stronghold-in-abyan/2688206 |access-date=2024-10-12 |website=Anadolu Agency}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=al-Batati |first=Saeed |date=2022-09-27 |title=Yemeni forces drive Al-Qaeda from stronghold after bitter fighting |url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/2170576/middle-east |access-date=2024-10-12 |website=Arab News |language=en}}</ref> On 8 October, STC forces entered al-Mahfad district as aparta part of the fourth phase of their operation. On 9 October, a roadside bomb planted by AQAP detonated in Wadi Omran, leaving 4 Yemeni soldiers dead along with several others injured.<ref>{{Cite web |last=al-Batati |first=Saeed |date=2022-10-09 |title=Four Yemeni soldiers killed as troops attack Al-Qaeda stronghold in Abyan |url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/2178196/middle-east |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221010070559/https://www.arabnews.com/node/2178196/middle-east |archive-date=2022-10-10 |access-date=2024-09-12 |website=Arab News |language=en}}</ref> By 10 October, al-Mahfad was reportedly secured by the STC along with Lawdar, Al-Wade'a and Mudiyah districts, with an STC spokesperson declaring the operation to be over.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2022-10-11 |title=Southern Forces: Abyan's «"Arrows of the East»" Operation is Completed |url=https://south24.net/news/newse.php?nid=2972 |access-date=2024-10-12 |website=South24 Center |language=en}}</ref> On 5 November, STC forces advanced into Al-Khealah valley, an AQAP safe haven south of al-Mahfad. AQAP fled the valley without any major conflict, though a roadside bomb killed three STC soldiers and injured four.<ref>{{Cite web |last=al-Batati |first=Saeed |date=2022-11-05 |title=Yemeni push forces Al-Qaeda out of Abyan valley hideout |url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/2194226/middle-east |access-date=2024-10-12 |website=Arab News |language=en}}</ref> [[File:Yemeni Civil War.svg|thumb|Imperfect map of political and military control in the ongoing [[Yemeni civil war (2014–present)]] as of 3 February 2024.

In an announcement on 10 March, AQAP reported the death of emir Khalid Batarfi, along the selection of his successor [[Sa'ad bin Atef al-Awlaki]]. The announcement did not provide a cause as to how Batarfi died, leading to speculation that he had died by natural causes.<ref name=":20">{{Cite news |date=2024-03-11 |title=Al-Qaeda's Yemen branch announces death of leader Khalid Batarfi |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-68533649 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240801105144/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-68533649 |archive-date=2024-08-01 |access-date=2024-09-09 |work=BBC |language=en-GB}}</ref>

In the aftermath of the [[2009 Fort Hood shooting|shooting at Fort Hood]], [[Texas]] on 5 November, the [[Federal Bureau of Investigation|FBI]] revealedstated that the shooter, Major [[Nidal Hasan]], had communicated with Anwar al-Awlaki via [[email]]s from December 2008 to some time in 2009, though officials at the time didn't perceive it as a threat. The emails reportedly contained "social and religious guidance", but no evidence that the attack was directed by Awlaki or a foreign groupAQAP.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2009-11-10 |title=How Alleged Fort Hood Shooter Slipped Through the Cracks |url=https://abcnews.go.com/WN/FtHoodShooting/alleged-fort-hood-shooter-slipped-cracks/story?id=9039742 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240604215114/https://abcnews.go.com/WN/FtHoodShooting/alleged-fort-hood-shooter-slipped-cracks/story?id=9039742 |archive-date=2024-06-04 |access-date=2024-09-15 |website=ABC News |language=en}}</ref>

On 25 December, Nigerian student [[Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab]] [[Northwest Airlines Flight 253|attempted to bomb Northwest Airlines Flight 253]] while it approached its destination in [[Detroit]], [[Michigan]].<ref name="AQAPClaimsXmasAttempt">{{cite news |date=28 December 2009 |title=Detroit terror attack: al-Qaeda regional group claims responsibility |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/6901918/Detroit-terror-attack-al-Qaeda-regional-group-claims-responsibility.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130505065405/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/6901918/Detroit-terror-attack-al-Qaeda-regional-group-claims-responsibility.html |archive-date=5 May 2013 |access-date=2 April 2018 |work=[[The Daily Telegraph]] |location=London}}</ref> As it prepared to land, Abdulmutallab tried to detonate [[Pentaerythritol tetranitrate|PETN]] explosives attached to his underwear, but the device failed to detonate properly. AQAP took responsibility for the attempted bombing on 28 December, claiming that they supplied the explosives to the perpetrator from Yemen along with training and instructions to detonate it.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2009-12-29 |title=Al Qaeda link investigated as clues emerge in foiled terror attack - CNN.com |url=http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/12/28/airline.terror.attempt/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091231031329/http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/12/28/airline.terror.attempt/index.html |archive-date=2009-12-31 |access-date=2024-09-14 |website=CNN |language=en}}</ref> Abdulmutallab had previously travelled to Yemen multiple times before the incident, once in 2005 in order to study Arabic, and again in the fall of 2009, meeting with and likely planning the bombing with various AQAP members, including Anwar al-Awlaki.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kenton |first=Peter |date=2010-02-19 |title=Yemen A Turning Point For Christmas Bomb Suspect |url=https://www.npr.org/2010/02/19/123824057/yemen-a-turning-point-for-christmas-bomb-suspect |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120228023231/https://www.npr.org/2010/02/19/123824057/yemen-a-turning-point-for-christmas-bomb-suspect |archive-date=2012-02-28 |access-date=2024-09-14 |website=NPR}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2010-01-07 |title=Plane 'plotter' met Yemen cleric |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8445454.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240628082347/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8445454.stm |archive-date=2024-06-28 |access-date=2024-10-22 |language=en-GB}}</ref>

On 6 December, [[Saudi Arabia|Saudi Arabian]]n Mohammed Saeed Alshamrani [[Naval Air Station Pensacola shooting|attacked Naval Air Station Pensacola]] in [[Pensacola, Florida|Pensacola]], [[Florida]], killing 3 U.S. Navy members and injuring 8 others before he was shot and killed. The gunman was a second lieutenant in the [[Royal Saudi Air Force]] and was undergoing flight training at the base. He had supposedly committed the shooting due to U.S. support for Israel and the United States being 'anti-Muslim'.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-12-08 |title=FBI says it presumes naval base shooting was act of terrorism |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/florida-navy-base-shooting-1.5388680 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191209012931/https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/florida-navy-base-shooting-1.5388680 |archive-date=2019-12-09 |access-date=2024-09-14 |website=CBC}}</ref> AQAP released a message on 2 February 2020 claiming responsibility for the shooting.<ref>{{cite web |last=Joscelyn |first=Thomas |date=2020-02-03 |title=AQAP claims 'full responsibility' for shooting at Naval Air Station Pensacola |url=https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2020/02/aqap-claims-full-responsibility-for-shooting-at-naval-air-station-pensacola.php |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200203140344/https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2020/02/aqap-claims-full-responsibility-for-shooting-at-naval-air-station-pensacola.php |archive-date=2020-02-03 |access-date=2024-09-14 |website=Long War Journal}}</ref> The FBI later corroborated these claims on 18 May after breaking into Alsharami's phone and uncovering significant connections between him and AQAP since 2015.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |last1=Shortell |first1=David |last2=Perez |first2=Evan |date=2020-05-18 |title=FBI finds al Qaeda link after breaking encryption on Pensacola attacker's iPhone |url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/05/18/politics/pensacola-shooting-al-qaeda/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200603114946/https://www.cnn.com/2020/05/18/politics/pensacola-shooting-al-qaeda/index.html |archive-date=2020-06-03 |access-date=2024-09-14 |website=CNN |language=en}}</ref>

== U.S. drone strikesoperations ==

| '''[[NasirSa'ad bin Atef al-WuhayshiAwlaki]]'''{{KIA}} || Former [[Emir]] and founderformer ofmilitary AQAPcommander ||

| '''[[Said AliIbrahim al-Shihri Qosi]]'''{{KIA}} || FormerSenior Deputysharia Emirofficial ||

| '''Jalal[[Nasir Balaal-Wuhayshi]]'idi''' {{KIA}} || OperationalEmir and founder of commanderAQAP ||

* Killed in a drone strike in FebruaryJune 20162015.<ref name=":15" />

| '''[[MuhammadQasim Sa'id Ali Hasanal-Raymi]]'''{{KIA}} ||Operational Emir and military commander ||

| '''[[IbrahimKhalid Sulayman Muhammad al-RubayshBatarfi]]'''{{KIAtooltip|#|died of unknown cause}} || [[Mufti]]Emir and senior commander ||

|'''[[Nasser binSaid Ali al-AnsiShihri]]'''{{KIA}}''' || Senior sharia official ||

| '''[[AnwarIbrahim Sulayman Muhammad al-AwlakiRubaysh]]'''{{KIA}} || Chief of External Operations ||

|'''[[Harith bin GhaziIbrahim al-NadhariAsiri]]'''{{KIA}} || Senior sharia official ||

* He rebuked the [[Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant|Islamic State]] announcement of expanding their caliphate into Yemen and renewed loyalties to [[al-Qaeda]] and its leader, [[Ayman al-Zawahiri]].<ref name="AQAPIS">{{cite news |date=21 November 2014 |title=Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula Rejects Isis 'Caliphate', Ending Fears of Deadly Terror Alliance |url=http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/al-qaida-arabian-peninsula-rejects-isis-caliphate-ending-fears-deadly-terror-alliance-1476004|work=International Business Times|date=21 November 2014|accessurl-datestatus=4live February 2015|archive-date=25 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181225080251/https://www.ibtimes.co.uk/al-qaida-arabian-peninsula-rejects-isis-caliphate-ending-fears-deadly-terror-alliance-1476004 |urlarchive-statusdate=live25 December 2018 |access-date=4 February 2015 |work=International Business Times}}</ref>

|'''[[Fahd al-Quso|Fahed al-Quso]]'''{{KIA}}
|| Operational commander |
|

|'''Shawki al-Badani'''{{KIA}}
|| Operational commander |
|

|'''[[Othman Ahmad Othman al-Ghamdi]]'''{{KIA}}
|| Operational commander |
|

* Al-Ghamdi was involvedInvolved in raising funds for the organization's operations and activities in Yemen.<ref name="Othman al-Ghamdi">{{cite web |title=Othman al-Ghamdi |url=http://www.rewardsforjustice.net/english/othman_al_ghamdi.html |accessurl-datestatus=11 February 2017dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202021131/https://www.rewardsforjustice.net/english/othman_al_ghamdi.html |archive-date=2017-02-02 |urlaccess-statusdate=dead11 February 2017}}</ref>

* He was a formerFormer detainee at [[Guantanamo Bay detention camp]] from April 2006 to June 2006 until he was handed over to Saudi Arabian authorities and subsequently released.<ref name="sofrep.com" />

* Killed in a drone strike in Yemen in February 2015.<ref>{{cite web |last=الحياة |date=8 February 2015 |title=مقتل سعوديين في داعش وآخر قيادي في القاعدة في اليمن وسوريا |url=http://ar.abna24.com/service/arabia/archive/2015/02/08/669839/story.html|title=مقتل سعوديين في داعش وآخر قيادي في القاعدة في اليمن وسوريا|last=الحياة|date=8 February 2015|accessurl-datestatus=30live July 2018|archive-date=31 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180731031612/http://ar.abna24.com/service/arabia/archive/2015/02/08/669839/story.html |urlarchive-statusdate=live31 July 2018 |access-date=30 July 2018}}</ref>

* AQAP confirmed al-Ghamdi'shis death in September 2018.<ref>{{cite web |urllast=https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/says |first=Verneoz |date=5 September 2018/09/aqap-claims-saudi-spy-network-targeted-its-leaders.php |title=AQAP claims Saudi spy network targeted its leaders &#124; FDD's Long War Journal|first=Verneoz|last=says|date=5 September 2018|websiteurl=https://www.longwarjournal.org|access/archives/2018/09/aqap-date=9claims-saudi-spy-network-targeted-its-leaders.php September 2018|archiveurl-datestatus=24live December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191224014234/https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2018/09/aqap-claims-saudi-spy-network-targeted-its-leaders.php |urlarchive-statusdate=live24 December 2019 |access-date=9 September 2018 |website=www.longwarjournal.org}}</ref>

| '''[[IbrahimJalal al-Asiri]]Bala'idi''' {{KIA}} || Explosives expert ||