Yemen’s al-Qaida branch leader threatens Trump, Musk and others
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Diverging Reports Breakdown
Israel retrieves body of Thai hostage as 95 more people reported killed in Gaza offensive
Thailand’s foreign ministry reported that the last Thai hostage in Gaza was confirmed dead. Israel’s defense minister said that Pinta’s body was retrieved from the Rafah area in southern Gaza. Hamas issued an unusual warning about another hostage, Matan Zangauker, saying Israel’s military had surrounded the area where he’s being held and that any harm that came to him during a rescue attempt would be Israel’s responsibility. Israel says it was responding to Hamas’ “barbaric attacks” and dismantling its capabilities. Much of Gaza’s population of more than 2 million relies on aid after widespread destruction of agriculture and markets as well as a recent Israeli blockade. The U.N. and aid groups deny there’s significant diversion of aid to militants and say the new system — which they have rejected — allows Israel to use food as a weapon, violates humanitarian principles and won’t be effective.. The United Nations says it has been unable to distribute much aid under its own system because of Israeli military restrictions on movements.
Fifty-five hostages remain in Gaza. Israel says more than half are dead. Families were rallying again Saturday evening in Israel, calling for a ceasefire deal that would bring everyone home.
Israel’s defense minister said that Pinta’s body was retrieved from the Rafah area in southern Gaza. The army said that he was seized by the Mujahideen Brigades, the small armed group that also took two Israeli-American hostages, Judih Weinstein and Gad Haggai, whose bodies were retrieved on Thursday.
Thais were the largest group of foreigners held captive by Hamas militants. Many of the agricultural workers lived on the outskirts of southern Israeli kibbutzim and towns, and Hamas militants overran those places first. A total of 46 Thais have been killed during the war, according to Thailand’s foreign ministry.
Separately, Hamas issued an unusual warning about another hostage, Matan Zangauker, saying Israel’s military had surrounded the area where he’s being held and that any harm that came to him during a rescue attempt would be Israel’s responsibility. Israel’s military didn’t immediately comment.
Israel continues its military offensive
Four Israeli strikes hit the Muwasi area in southern Gaza between Rafah and Khan Younis. In northern Gaza, one strike hit an apartment, killing seven people including a mother and five children. Their bodies were taken to Shifa hospital
“Stand up, my love,” one weeping woman said, touching the shrouded bodies.
Another strike in Gaza City killed six members of a family, including two children, according to the Shifa and al-Ahli hospitals.
Israel said that it was responding to Hamas’ “barbaric attacks” and dismantling its capabilities. It said it takes all feasible precautions to mitigate civilian harm.
Reports say some of the dead tried to get food aid
Staff at Nasser hospital, which received the bodies of six people over the past 24 hours, said that they were killed while on their way to get food aid. Much of Gaza’s population of more than 2 million relies on aid after widespread destruction of agriculture and markets as well as a recent Israeli blockade. Experts have warned of famine.
Israel’s army said that despite warnings that the aid distribution area is an active combat zone during nighttime hours, several suspects attempted to approach troops operating in the Tel al-Sultan area overnight “in a manner that posed a threat.” The army said that troops called out, but as the suspects continued advancing, they fired warning shots.
An army official who couldn’t be named in line with military procedures said that the shots were fired about a kilometer (half-mile) from the distribution site.
Over the past two weeks, shootings have occurred frequently near the new hubs where thousands of desperate Palestinians are being directed to collect food. Witnesses say nearby Israeli troops have opened fire, and more than 80 people have been killed, according to Gaza hospital officials. Israel’s military has said that it fired warning shots or, in some instances, at individuals approaching troops.
The hubs are run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a new group of mainly American contractors. Israel wants GHF to replace humanitarian groups in Gaza that distribute aid in coordination with the United Nations.
A GHF spokesperson, speaking on condition of anonymity in accordance with the group’s rules, said that it didn’t feed Gaza residents on Saturday and blamed Hamas threats. There was no immediate Hamas response.
Israel accuses Hamas of siphoning off aid under the U.N.-led system. The U.N. and aid groups deny there’s significant diversion of aid to militants and say the new system — which they have rejected — allows Israel to use food as a weapon, violates humanitarian principles and won’t be effective.
The U.N says it has been unable to distribute much aid under its own system because of Israeli military restrictions on movements and insecurity.
Separately, Palestinians lined up at a soup kitchen in Gaza City for handouts on the second day of Eid al-Adha.
“I have been standing here for more than an hour and a half. I feel I have a sunstroke, and I am in need,” said the waiting Farida al-Sayed, who said she had six people to feed. “I only had lentils, and I ran out of them.”
Death tolls since the war began
Hamas-led militants killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, in the Oct. 7 attack and abducted 251 hostages. Most were released in ceasefire agreements or other deals. Israeli forces have rescued eight living hostages and recovered dozens of bodies.
Israel’s military campaign has killed more than 54,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, according to Gaza’s health ministry, which doesn’t distinguish between civilians and combatants. The offensive has destroyed large parts of Hamas-run Gaza and displaced around 90% of its population of roughly 2 million Palestinians.
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Mohammad Jahjouh reported from Rafah, Gaza Strip. Bassem Mroue contributed to this report from Beirut.
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Follow the AP’s war coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war
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A previous version of this story was corrected to show that the previous bodies were recovered on Thursday, not Friday.
Credit: AP Credit: AP
Al-Qaida Leader in Yemen Threatens Trump, Musk, Others over Gaza
Al-Qaida in Yemen leader Saad al-Awlaki issued violent threats against U.S. President Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and others over the Gaza conflict. The video, his first public message since 2024, calls for lone-wolf attacks. Experts say the message signals al-Qaida’s attempt to reclaim influence amid the Israel-Hamas war. The message also targets leaders in Egypt, Jordan, and Gulf states, urging lone- wolf attacks.“There are no red lines after what happened and is happening to our people in Gaza,” al- Awlaki declared. “Reciprocity is legitimate.” The half-hour video, distributed via pro-AQAP channels, marks al-awlaki’s first public communication since taking the reins of the group in 2024. The militant leader appeared seated and speaking passionately, as images of Trump, Musk, Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth flashed across the screen. Video featured images of Tesla and SpaceX logos, connecting Elon Musk directly to the threat.
President Donald Trump speaks as he holds a box containing a key before presenting it to Elon Musk, left, during a news conference in the Oval Office of the White House, Friday, May 30, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
Al-Qaida’s Threats Over Gaza: Quick Looks
AQAP leader Saad bin Atef al-Awlaki threatened Trump, Musk, and other top U.S. officials in a new video.
threatened Trump, Musk, and other top U.S. officials in a new video. The message also targets leaders in Egypt, Jordan, and Gulf states , urging lone-wolf attacks.
, urging lone-wolf attacks. Al-Awlaki cited Israel’s war in Gaza as justification, calling for “reciprocity” against perceived enemies.
as justification, calling for “reciprocity” against perceived enemies. AQAP, once considered al-Qaida’s most dangerous branch , is believed to be weakened but still active.
, is believed to be weakened but still active. Al-Awlaki has a $6 million U.S. bounty and replaced former leader Khalid al-Batarfi in 2024.
and replaced former leader Khalid al-Batarfi in 2024. Video featured images of Tesla and SpaceX logos , connecting Elon Musk directly to the threat.
, connecting Elon Musk directly to the threat. Yemen’s Houthis are also active in the conflict , firing missiles at Israel and attacking shipping lanes.
, firing missiles at Israel and attacking shipping lanes. Analysts say al-Awlaki is trying to rival Houthi popularity, using Gaza as a rallying cry.
Deep Look: Yemen’s Al-Qaida Leader Threatens Trump, Musk Over Gaza War
DUBAI — In a fiery new message released online Saturday, Saad bin Atef al-Awlaki, the leader of al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), issued direct threats against President Donald Trump, billionaire Elon Musk, and several other top U.S. officials, blaming them for America’s support of Israel in the ongoing Gaza conflict.
The half-hour video, distributed via pro-AQAP channels, marks al-Awlaki’s first public communication since taking the reins of the group in 2024. In the footage, the militant leader appeared seated and speaking passionately, as images of Trump, Musk, Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth flashed across the screen—alongside logos of Musk-owned companies like Tesla and SpaceX.
“There are no red lines after what happened and is happening to our people in Gaza,” al-Awlaki declared. “Reciprocity is legitimate.”
AQAP Reemerges Amid Gaza Crisis
AQAP, a Sunni extremist faction that once held large swathes of Yemen and was long considered the most lethal al-Qaida affiliate, appears to be reigniting its global agenda, using the Israel-Hamas war as a springboard for fresh relevance.
Though degraded by U.S. drone strikes, internal power struggles, and rival militant factions, AQAP retains an estimated 3,000 to 4,000 fighters, according to a recent U.N. assessment. The group finances itself through bank robberies, smuggling, ransom operations, and counterfeit currency, UN experts say.
Al-Awlaki’s message is noteworthy for both its targets and its timing—coming just days after Trump’s return from a high-profile Middle East visit, where he reaffirmed support for Israel and ratcheted up pressure on Iran-backed militants.
Who Was Threatened?
Besides Trump and Musk, al-Awlaki’s video also named and visualized several U.S. and regional leaders:
Vice President JD Vance
Secretary of State Marco Rubio
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi
Jordan’s King Abdullah II
Leaders in Saudi Arabia and the UAE
Al-Awlaki urged “lone wolf” assassins to act in retaliation for U.S. and Arab government actions related to Israel and Gaza.
The $6 Million Bounty and Leadership Change
Al-Awlaki is currently on the U.S. State Department’s Rewards for Justice list, with a $6 million bounty for information leading to his capture. He replaced former AQAP leader Khalid al-Batarfi, whose death the group confirmed last year.
AQAP has historically focused attacks on U.S. and Saudi targets and was responsible for the 2009 “underwear bomber” plot and a 2015 attack on a French satirical magazine.
The U.S. State Department has not yet publicly responded to the latest threats but has reaffirmed support for ongoing counterterrorism operations in Yemen.
Houthis vs. Al-Qaida: Competing Extremist Narratives
Al-Awlaki’s rhetoric mirrors the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels, who have also invoked the Gaza war as justification for launching missiles toward Israel and attacking Red Sea commercial ships.
But analysts say the AQAP leader is also jockeying for relevance, attempting to position himself as a legitimate voice in the so-called resistance against Israel and the West.
“As the Houthis gain popularity as leaders of the ‘Arab and Muslim world’s resistance’ against Israel, al-Awlaki seeks to challenge their dominance,” said Mohammed al-Basha, a Yemen expert at the Basha Report.
The Houthis, primarily Shiite, and AQAP, a hardline Sunni group, have long been enemies, though attacks between them have diminished in recent years.
Why It Matters
Though AQAP’s operational capability may be reduced, experts say the group’s ideological threats remain potent, particularly in volatile regions like the Arabian Peninsula and East Africa.
The threat against Musk—an unusually public figure in tech and politics—could also raise alarms given his high-profile role in U.S. defense and aerospace sectors, including federal contracts via SpaceX and Starlink.
“For a national security and foreign policy community increasingly disengaged from Yemen, this video is a clear reminder: Yemen still matters,” al-Basha emphasized.
More on US News
Yemen’s al-Qaeda branch threatens Trump, Musk over Gaza war
Saad bin Atef al-Awlaki, leader of al-Qaeda’s Yemen branch, has threatened US President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk. He also called for lone-wolf militants to assassinate leaders in Egypt, Jordan and the Gulf Arab states over the war, which has decimated Gaza. He replaced AQAP leader Khalid al-Batarfi, whose death was announced by the group in 2024. AQAP had been considered the most dangerous branch of al Qaeda still operating after the 2011 killing by US Navy SEALs of founder Osama bin Laden, who masterminded the 11 September, 2001, attacks. The 11 September attacks then began decades of war by the US in Afghanistan and Iraq, and fomented the rise of the Islamic State group. The Houthis’ international profile rose as the group remains mired in Yemen’s long-stalemated war.
The half-hour video message by Saad bin Atef al-Awlaki, which spread online early on Saturday via supporters of al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, also included calls for lone-wolf militants to assassinate leaders in Egypt, Jordan and the Gulf Arab states over the war, which has decimated Gaza.
The video of al-Awlaki’s speech showed images of Trump and Musk, as well as US Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of State Pete Hegseth. It also included images of logos of Musk’s businesses, including the electric carmaker Tesla.
“There are no red lines after what happened and is happening to our people in Gaza,” al-Awlaki said. “Reciprocity is legitimate.”
Yemen’s al-Qaeda branch long thought to be most dangerous
Though believed to be weakened in recent years due to infighting and suspected US drone strikes killing its leaders, the group known by the acronym AQAP had been considered the most dangerous branch of al-Qaeda still operating after the 2011 killing by US Navy SEALs of founder Osama bin Laden, who masterminded the 11 September, 2001, attacks.
In 2022, a US drone strike in Afghanistan killed bin Laden’s successor, Ayman al-Zawahri, who also helped plot 9/11. The 11 September attacks then began decades of war by the US in Afghanistan and Iraq, and fomented the rise of the Islamic State group.
Al-Awlaki already has a $6 million US bounty on his head, as Washington says al-Awlaki “has publicly called for attacks against the United States and its allies”.
He replaced AQAP leader Khalid al-Batarfi, whose death was announced by the group in 2024.
Israel-Hamas war a focus of the Houthis as well
AQAP seizing onto Israel’s war in Gaza follows the efforts of Yemen’s Houthi rebels to do the same. The Iranian-backed group has launched missile attacks on Israel and targeted commercial vessels moving through the Red Sea corridor, as well as American warships. The US Navy has described their campaign against the Houthis as the most intense combat it has faced since World War II.
The Trump administration also launched its own intense campaign of strikes on the Houthis, which only ended before the president’s recent trip to the Middle East.
The Houthis’ international profile rose as the group remains mired in Yemen’s long-stalemated war. Al-Awlaki may be betting on the same for his group, which UN experts have estimated has between 3,000 and 4,000 active fighters and passive members. The group raises money by robbing banks and money exchange shops, as well as smuggling weapons, counterfeiting currencies and ransom operations, according to the UN.
The Shia Zaydi Houthis have previously denied working with AQAP, a Sunni extremist group. However, AQAP targeting of the Houthis has dropped in recent years, while the militants keep attacking Saudi-led coalition forces who have battled the Houthis.
“As the Houthis gain popularity as leaders of the ‘Arab and Muslim world’s resistance’ against Israel, al-Awlaki seeks to challenge their dominance by presenting himself as equally concerned about the situation in Gaza,” said Mohammed al-Basha, a Yemen expert of the Basha Report risk advisory firm.
“For a national security and foreign policy community increasingly disengaged from Yemen, this video is a clear reminder: Yemen still matters.”
Yemen’s al-Qaeda leader threatens Trump, Musk over Israel’s war on Gaza
Saad bin Atef al-Awlaki, who is wanted by the US, challenges Houthi dominance of Arab and Muslim world’s resistance movement. The message featured images of Trump and Musk, US Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth, as well as logos of Musk’s businesses – including electric carmaker Tesla. He already has a $6m US bounty on his head, having, as Washington puts it, “publicly called for attacks against the United States and its allies”. United Nations experts estimate AQAP has between 3,000 and 4,000 active fighters and passive members, claiming that it raises money by robbing banks and money exchange shops.
The leader of al-Qaeda’s Yemen branch has targeted US President Donald Trump and tech billionaire Elon Musk over United States backing for Israel’s ongoing war on the Gaza Strip and its besieged Palestinian population.
“There are no red lines after what happened and is happening to our people in Gaza,” said Saad bin Atef al-Awlaki in a half-hour video message that was spread online Saturday by supporters of al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), the Yemeni branch of the armed group.
“Reciprocity is legitimate,” he said.
Al-Awlaki’s video message also included calls for so-called lone wolves to assassinate leaders in Egypt, Jordan and the Gulf Arab states over the war, which has decimated Gaza, killing at least 54,772 Palestinians over the past 20 months.
The message featured images of Trump and Musk, US Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth, as well as logos of Musk’s businesses – including electric carmaker Tesla.
Born in 2009 from the merger of al-Qaeda’s Yemeni and Saudi factions, AQAP is completely distinct from Yemen’s Houthi rebel group, which controls most of the country and agreed to a ceasefire with the US earlier this month.
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AQAP grew and developed amid the chaos of Yemen’s war, which has pitted the Houthis against a Saudi-led coalition backing the government since 2015.
Al-Awlaki became the group’s leader in 2024, replacing predecessor Khalid Batarfi, who died that year.
He already has a $6m US bounty on his head, having, as Washington puts it, “publicly called for attacks against the United States and its allies”.
Though believed to be weakened in recent years due to infighting and suspected US drone strikes killing its leaders, the group had been considered the most dangerous branch of al-Qaeda still operating since the US killing of founder Osama bin Laden in 2011.
United Nations experts estimate AQAP has between 3,000 and 4,000 active fighters and passive members, claiming that it raises money by robbing banks and money exchange shops, as well as by smuggling weapons, counterfeiting currencies and conducting ransom operations.
The Houthis have previously denied working with AQAP, though the latter’s targeting of the Houthis has dropped in recent years, while its fighters keep attacking the Saudi-led coalition forces.
Now, with its focus on Israel’s war on Gaza, AQAP appears to be following the lead of the Houthi group, which has launched missile attacks on Israel and targeted commercial vessels moving through the Red Sea in solidarity with Palestinians under Israeli fire.
“As the Houthis gain popularity as leaders of the ‘Arab and Muslim world’s resistance’ against Israel, al-Awlaki seeks to challenge their dominance by presenting himself as equally concerned about the situation in Gaza,” said Mohammed al-Basha, a Yemen expert with the Basha Report risk advisory firm.
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“For a national security and foreign policy community increasingly disengaged from Yemen, this video is a clear reminder: Yemen still matters,” he said.
Al Qaeda’s Yemen branch chief threatens Trump, Musk over Gaza war
Saad bin Atef al-Awlaki calls for lone-wolf militants to assassinate leaders in Egypt, Jordan, and the Gulf Arab states over the war. Video shows images of Trump and Musk, as well as US Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Pete Hegseth. It also included images of logos of Musk’s businesses, including the electric carmaker Tesla. He replaced AQAP leader Khalid al-Batarfi, whose death was announced by the group in 2024.
The half-hour video message by Saad bin Atef al-Awlaki, which spread online early Saturday via supporters of Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, also included calls for lone-wolf militants to assassinate leaders in Egypt, Jordan, and the Gulf Arab states over the war, which has decimated Gaza.
The video of al-Awlaki’s speech showed images of Trump and Musk, as well as US Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of State Pete Hegseth. It also included images of logos of Musk’s businesses, including the electric carmaker Tesla.
“There are no red lines after what happened and is happening to our people in Gaza,” al-Awlaki said. “Reciprocity is legitimate.”
Though believed to be weakened in recent years due to infighting and suspected US drone strikes killing its leaders, the group known by the acronym AQAP had been considered the most dangerous branch of Al Qaeda still operating after the 2011 killing by US Navy SEALs of founder Osama bin Laden.
In 2022, a US drone strike in Afghanistan killed bin Laden’s successor, Ayman al-Zawahri, who helped plot 9/11. The Sept. 11 attacks then began decades of war by the US in Afghanistan and Iraq, and fomented the rise of Daesh.
Related TRT Global – US defence secretary texted planned time of targeted killing in Yemen
Call for attacks
Al-Awlaki already has a $6 million US bounty on his head, as Washington says al-Awlaki “has publicly called for attacks against the United States and its allies.” He replaced AQAP leader Khalid al-Batarfi, whose death was announced by the group in 2024.
AQAP’s position on the Israel-Hamas war mirrors that of Yemen’s Houthis. The Iranian-backed group has launched missile attacks on Israel and targeted commercial vessels moving through the Red Sea corridor, as well as American warships. The US Navy has described its campaign against the Houthis as the most intense combat it has faced since World War II.
The Trump administration also launched its own intense campaign of strikes on the Houthis, which only ended before the president’s recent trip to the Middle East.