Yemen

Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) operates out of Yemen, a fragile state plagued by a myriad of socio-economic and security challenges. The population of Yemen faces high levels of poverty and unemployment, a low literacy rate, and an addiction to a drug called “qat.” Furthermore, Yemen’s natural resources are depleting. Predictions say that the capital, Sana’a, will run out of water in 2015 and Yemen’s oil supply will run out in 2017. The al Houthi insurgency in the north and the Southern Movement’s calls for secession both pose an existential threat to the government and place a significant strain on its resources and security apparatus. The combination of these factors creates an environment in which AQAP finds shelter, allowing it to train and prepare for attacks. This section provides analysis and background information on the security challenges in Yemen.

 
Recent Products

Expanding the Campaign of Violence: Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula's English-Language Magazine

Tracker: Unrest in Southern Yemen

Tracker: AQAP and Suspected AQAP Attacks in 2010

 
Analysis

Militant Islam's Global Preacher: The Radicalizing Effect of Sheikh Anwar al Awlaki

President Saleh's Missed Opportunity: Yemen's Decision to Reject an al Houthi Cease-fire

Terrorist Rehabilitation in Yemen?

Testimony Before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee

January 15th Strike: Targeting al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) Leaders and Implications

Christmas Day Attack: Manifestation of AQAP Shift Targeting America

Christmas Day 2009 Airline Bombing: Yemen and al Qaeda Context

Denying al Qaeda a Safe Haven in Yemen

A Critical War in a Fragile Country: Yemen's Battle with the Shiite al Houthi Rebels

 
Backgrounders

Critical Threats Project Briefing on Yemen and AQAP

Yemen's Southern Challenge: Background on the Rising Threat of Secessionism

Profile: al Houthi Movement

 
Maps

Yemen Conflict Map

Battle Map of Conflict Area on Border of Saudi Arabia and Yemen