Unprecedented Situation in Gaza
Al-Awlaki stated that the situation in Gaza, and what has happened and is happening to our people there, is unprecedented. Awlaki became the head of al-Qaeda in Yemen in 2024, succeeding Khalid al-Batarfi after his death. There is a US$6 million bounty on Awlaki’s head. The US government has stated that Awlaki has spoken of attacks on the US and its allies.
Challenging the Houthis’ Prominence
Experts suggest that Awlaki, the head of al-Qaeda in Yemen, aims to establish his position in the Muslim world by releasing video messages against Israel and Western countries. Recently, the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have attacked the US-Israel alliance, gaining popularity in the Muslim world. Therefore, Awlaki seeks to challenge the Houthis’ dominance by portraying himself as equally concerned about the situation in Gaza.
Organisation Possesses 4,000 Fighters
United Nations experts estimate that al-Qaeda’s Yemen branch has between 3,000 and 4,000 active fighters, along with thousands more inactive members. The organisation funds itself through robbing banks and money exchange shops, arms trafficking, counterfeit currency, and ransom campaigns. They also have links with the Houthi rebels in Yemen, although the Houthis deny this. Al-Qaeda’s Yemen branch fighters have repeatedly attacked the Saudi Arabia-backed forces in Yemen.
Over 57,000 Deaths
From 2023 to 20 May 2025, over 57,000 people have died in Gaza, mostly women and children. Since 2023, 1726 Israeli citizens have been killed. The Israeli army continues military operations in Gaza. 500,000 people are facing severe food insecurity.
