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From HSToday

Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula’s (AQAP) leader, Qasim Al Rimi, called on Yemeni soldiers to repent, and promised punishment for anyone collaborating with the US in an interview published by Al Malahem, AQAP’s media arm.

He also claimed the recent US commando raids in Yemen were unsuccessful and provided tips to tribesmen to counter future attacks.

The interview, posted on AQAP’s official Telegram channel, also featured Al Rimi accusing the UAE of facilitating the implementation of the US’s military strikes against Al Qaeda in Yemen.

“According to Al Rimi, the recent US commando raid in Al Bayda province was carried out based on ‘false’ information, and as a result, dozens of US soldiers were killed and wounded, and they left behind them a number of items including maps, devices detecting infrared rays, a police dog and two aircraft which were subsequently destroyed by the commandos,” said the Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI), which monitors jihadi social media. “Al Rimi then provided the ‘brothers’ with tips for dealing with night commando raids, urging them to ‘rely on Allah,’ assign at least two guards per shift, remain hidden during clashes to avoid being targeted by aircraft, and plant bombs and mines in a circular pattern away from the guarded location and allow the enemy to enter the trap.”

After accusing the UAE of taking part in the US commando raids in Yemen and facilitating the the US’s military actionsin Yemen – which, according to Al Rimi, is controlling Yemen’s ports such as Al Mukalla, Aden and Al Hudaidah as well as the islands Socotra and Perim – “Al Rimi also threatened to punish anyone found collaborating with the US,” MEMRI said.

“No official, officer or spy will escape from the mujahideen, even if takes us a long time [to identify him]. We are people who do not forget our revenge, and we will not sleep while oppressed,” Al Rimi said.

Read the full article at HSToday.

By Dr. David Sloggett
Contributing Writer, Homeland Security Today
Special to In Homeland Security

Of the more than 70 al-Qaida franchises, the Yemen-based al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) has been one of the most effective. It was the group behind the development of what became known as the “underwear” bomb and the attempt to deliver bombs to a Synagogue in Chicago using parcels sent by air freight in October 2010.

By William Tucker

Christopher Stevens, the U.S. Ambassador to Libya, was killed yesterday, along with three others, during an attack on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi. Initial reports suggested that the attack was related to the protests that took place in Egypt over a film portraying the Muslim prophet Muhammad in a poor light; however eyewitness reports state that the attackers did not come from the group of protesters outside.

By William Tucker

A suicide bomber struck a police academy in Sana’a Yemen killing eight and wounding another 15. As of this writing al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula has not officially claimed responsibility for the attack; however AQAP has made numerous threats against the Yemeni government in response to the counterterrorism operations that have been ongoing since May. Furthermore, the tactics and target of today’s attack strongly suggest that AQAP was involved.

By William Tucker

The Southern Yemeni cities of Jaar and Zinjibar were retaken by the Yemeni military. Details provided by the military suggest that some combat took place killing an estimated 24 militants, while some residents stated that the members of Ansar al-Sharia had left the previous night. It is not unusual for conflicting details to be presented during combat, but what is important is that the Yemeni government is reaserting control.

By William Tucker

A suicide bomber dressed as a Yemeni soldier detonated his device in the midst of a paramilitary division that was rehearsing for tomorrow’s National Unity Day parade. The ministry of defense stated that over 90 were killed and a further 220 were wounded in the blast. There are reports that two other would be bombers were stopped before they could detonate their devices, but further information is not available.

By William Tucker

Just days after the U.S. reinstated military assistance to Yemen, the Yemeni military launched an offensive against Zinjibar in an attempt to remove the al-Qaeda militants that have held the city for the past year. Details of the battle are coming in slowly, but it does appear that both sides have sustained losses. In the neighboring provinces of Marhib and Shabwa, U.S. drone strikes continue to inflict losses.

By William Tucker

The Associated Press, claiming an exclusive, is reporting that the CIA disrupted another airline bombing plot that was supposed to be an improvement upon the failed attempt over Detroit in 2009. Like the previous attempt, this bomb was constructed to be worn in the carriers underwear, however the design was improved and reportedly did not contain any metal parts.

By William Tucker

The counterinsurgency efforts run by the African Union and the Somali TFG have finally begun to have an impact on al-Shabaab’s ability to operate in Somalia. Al-Shabaab has been forced to rely on terrorist attacks against targets in Mogadishu as forces operating under the AU, or independently such as Kenya and Ethiopia, have forced the group from several of its strongholds in southern and central Somalia.

By William Tucker

The nation of Yemen has seen some rather significant political changes in 2012, but the most prominent is the resignation of long time strong man Ali Abdullah Saleh. Naturally, Saleh hasn’t completely been removed from the scene as he and his tribe still holds significant sway in Yemeni politics. That being said, Saleh’s resignation has largely overshadowed the continuous militant threat the nation faces.