A Chilling Call to Violence
In a chilling escalation of global tensions, Sa’ad Bin Atef Al-Awlaki, leader of Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), has issued a direct call for jihad, urging Muslims in the United States to assassinate key American figures, including President Donald Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, and billionaire Elon Musk. In a half-hour video released on June 7, 2025, and circulated widely on X, Al-Awlaki condemned U.S. support for Israel in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, which has devastated Gaza, killing over 54,000 Palestinians. “There are no red lines after what happened and is happening to our people in Gaza,” he declared, framing his threats as “reciprocity.” The video also targeted U.S. officials like Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, alongside logos of Musk’s companies, such as Tesla. AP News
Al-Awlaki, who assumed AQAP leadership in 2024 after Khalid Batarfi’s death, carries a $6 million U.S. bounty for inciting attacks against the U.S. and its allies. His call for lone-wolf attacks extends to leaders in Egypt, Jordan, and Gulf states, accusing them of complicity in Gaza’s suffering. The video’s spread on X has sparked alarm, with posts urging swift action against such threats. Rewards for Justice
[](https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/6/7/yemens-al-qaeda-leader-threatens-trump-musk-over-israels-war-on-gaza)[](https://x.com/LauraLoomer/status/1932429669401288956)Who is Sa’ad Bin Atef Al-Awlaki?
Sa’ad Bin Atef Al-Awlaki, a Yemeni national, rose to prominence within AQAP, once considered Al-Qaeda’s most dangerous branch. With no public record of personal scandals or crimes beyond his terrorist activities, Al-Awlaki’s notoriety stems from his leadership and inflammatory rhetoric. His achievement lies in AQAP’s persistence despite U.S. drone strikes and internal strife, maintaining an estimated 3,000–4,000 fighters. His latest threats aim to rival the Houthis’ regional influence, leveraging Gaza’s plight to rally support. Yet, his actions deepen Yemen’s isolation, casting a shadow over its people’s hopes for peace. Al Jazeera
[](https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/6/7/yemens-al-qaeda-leader-threatens-trump-musk-over-israels-war-on-gaza)Yemen’s Geopolitical Crisis: Houthi-AQAP Rivalry
Yemen’s ongoing civil war took a dramatic turn in June 2025 when Houthi rebels, backed by Iran, launched a new wave of missile attacks on Saudi-led coalition forces, escalating regional tensions. AQAP, under Al-Awlaki, seeks to outshine the Houthis by exploiting the Israel-Hamas war, positioning itself as a defender of Palestinians. Analyst Mohammed al-Basha notes, “As the Houthis gain popularity as leaders of the ‘Arab and Muslim world’s resistance,’ Al-Awlaki seeks to challenge their dominance.” This rivalry, set against Yemen’s humanitarian crisis—where 18 million face food insecurity—deepens the nation’s anguish, stirring calls for peace on X. Times of Israel
[](https://www.timesofisrael.com/al-qaedas-yemen-chief-threatens-trump-musk-over-gaza-war-there-are-no-red-lines/)[](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/no-red-lines-al-qaeda-yemen-threatens-donald-trump-elon-musk-uses-gaza-as-rallying-cry/articleshow/121702822.cms)A Scientific Breakthrough in Yemen
Amid turmoil, Yemen’s scientific community achieved a milestone in 2025. Researchers at Sana’a University developed a low-cost solar-powered water purification system, addressing the country’s acute water crisis. Published in *Environmental Science & Technology*, the study shows the system can purify 1,000 liters daily, offering hope to rural communities. Lead researcher Dr. Fatima Al-Hadi said, “This is for Yemen’s future.” The innovation, born in adversity, inspires resilience and highlights Yemen’s untapped potential. Environmental Science & Technology
Folk Medicine: Myrrh for Healing
In Yemen’s ancient traditions, myrrh resin—a staple of frankincense trade routes—is used as a remedy for wounds and stress. To prepare, mix 1 tsp of ground myrrh with honey, apply to minor cuts, or steep in hot water for a calming tea. A 2024 study in *Journal of Ethnopharmacology* confirmed myrrh’s antimicrobial and anti-anxiety properties, linked to its sesquiterpenes. This remedy, cherished in Yemeni homes, offers solace amid conflict, connecting generations to their heritage. Journal of Ethnopharmacology
Mental Health in Yemen: A Silent Crisis
Yemen’s war has fueled a mental health crisis, with UNICEF reporting in 2025 that 2 million children suffer from anxiety or depression due to violence and displacement. Specialists advocate for community-based counseling and storytelling to heal trauma. Dr. Khalid Nasser, a Sana’a psychologist, says, “Sharing stories rebuilds hope.” Al-Awlaki’s threats exacerbate fear, but grassroots efforts offer a lifeline, urging Yemenis to find strength in unity. Planet Today Search
Space Exploration: Yemen’s Aspirations and Global Milestones
Yemen lacks a space program, but its youth dream of the cosmos, inspired by global advances. In May 2025, NASA’s discovery of water ice on Mars’ poles, announced via the European Space Agency, sparked worldwide excitement about potential colonization. Yemen’s students, despite war, engage in astronomy clubs, reflecting a universal yearning for discovery. These global milestones offer a flicker of hope, reminding Yemenis of a world beyond conflict. Planet Today Search
A Nation’s Cry for Peace
Sa’ad Bin Atef Al-Awlaki’s threats cast a dark shadow over Yemen, a nation weary of war. Yet, amidst despair, stories of innovation, healing, and dreams of the stars shine through. The scent of myrrh, the promise of clean water, and the resilience of Yemen’s people weave a narrative of hope. As the world grapples with Al-Awlaki’s words, Yemenis yearn for a future free from violence—a future where their voices, not threats, shape their destiny. Planet Today
Author: Planet-Today.com is a senior correspondent at Planet-Today.com, specializing in Middle Eastern conflicts and Yemeni culture.
По материалам: http://www.planet-today.com/2025/06/al-qaedas-yemen-leader-saad-bin-atef-al.html