Al-Qaeda Strike in Yemen: Five Members Killed by US
In a significant military operation attributed to US forces, five members of Al-Qaeda were reportedly killed in southern Yemen, according to statements from Yemeni security officials given to AFP on Saturday. These officials indicated that local residents confirmed the occurrence of the US strike, marking a notable intervention in the ongoing conflict in the region.
The strike occurred on Friday evening in the vicinity of Khabar Al-Maraqsha, a mountainous area known to be a stronghold for Al-Qaeda militants. A second security source disclosed that, while the identities of the deceased militants have not been confirmed, there is speculation that one of the local leaders of Al-Qaeda may have been among those killed.
Background on Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula
Washington has long regarded the group known as Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) as one of the most formidable branches of the extremist organization. AQAP was established in 2009 through the merger of Al-Qaeda factions from Yemen and Saudi Arabia. The group has taken advantage of the ongoing turmoil in Yemen, significantly expanding its influence amid the chaos of the civil war.
Since the outbreak of Yemen’s war in 2015, where Iranian-backed Houthi rebels have been engaged with a Saudi-led coalition supporting the internationally recognized government, AQAP has found fertile ground to operate. The prolonged conflict has exacerbated the conditions under which the group has been able to thrive.
Recent Developments in the Yemen Conflict
Earlier this month, the United States announced a ceasefire agreement with the Houthis, a group that has maintained control over significant portions of Yemen for over ten years. This agreement comes after weeks of intensive US airstrikes targeting areas controlled by the rebels.
The Houthis have escalated their operations, specifically targeting shipping in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden beginning in November 2023. This development followed increased tensions linked to the Israel-Hamas conflict and prompted a military response from the US and UK, including strikes that started in January 2024.
Humanitarian Impact of the Yemen War
The ongoing conflict in Yemen has inflicted immense suffering, leading to the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people and precipitating one of the most severe humanitarian crises in the world. Despite efforts to halt the violence, including a UN-negotiated six-month truce in 2022, the situation remains dire.
The humanitarian fallout from the conflict continues to grow, with millions of Yemenis facing food insecurity and a lack of basic necessities. International organizations have repeatedly called for increased aid to address the needs of the Yemeni population amid the fighting.
