12 March 2024
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – The Al-Qaeda branch in Yemen, known as Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), has announced the death of its leader, Khalid Batarfi. The news, delivered through a video released by the group itself, offered no explanation for Batarfi’s passing. The Yemeni militant, believed to be in his forties, had led AQAP since 2020.
In the video, a senior member expressed acceptance of Batarfi’s demise, regardless of whether it was natural or caused by foul play. This ambiguity surrounding the leader’s death adds another layer of mystery to the event.
AQAP has, however, named a successor to Batarfi. Saad bin Atef al-Awlaki will now head the Yemeni branch of the notorious terrorist organization. Notably, al-Awlaki is not an unknown figure. The United States has designated him a global terrorist and offered a hefty reward of $5 million for information leading to his capture.
This leadership change within AQAP signifies a pivotal moment for the organization. While the group attempts to project an air of normalcy through the swift appointment of a new leader, it remains to be seen how this development will impact AQAP’s operations and influence in the region
