YEMEN | Al-Qaeda Between Contradictory Narratives and Regional Power Struggles

Yemen’s internationally recognized government, and the Houthis has sparked debate over allegations that the United Arab Emirates plans to use Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) to undermine security and stability in Yemen.

According to the analysis, these accusations reflect shifting political narratives and contradictions in the media discourse, with rival Yemeni and regional actors repeatedly accusing one another of maintaining links with the militant organization.

 From Accusations Against the Houthis to Allegations Against the UAE

The analysis argues that the Houthis have accused Al-Qaeda of coordinating with the Saudi-led coalition since 2015. Meanwhile, Yemeni government-linked media and commentators have, over the years, alleged that the group cooperates with the Houthis.

The author cites a video published by an official Yemeni government channel on November 16 of the previous year, titled “Marib Sleeps with One Eye Open,” which reportedly alleged coordination between Al-Qaeda and the Houthis.

However, the author argues that the narrative shifted following escalating tensions between the Saudi-backed Yemeni government and the UAE. Some media platforms subsequently began portraying Al-Qaeda as a tool allegedly used by Abu Dhabi to destabilize Yemen.

The analysis suggests that these competing accusations raise questions about the extent to which political rivalries influence media narratives, particularly when opposing parties advance contradictory claims about the group’s relationships.

 Military Operations on the Ground

The analysis also points to military campaigns against Al-Qaeda in southern Yemen, particularly in Abyan governorate, as relevant context when assessing allegations of cooperation between the organization and UAE-backed forces.

According to the text, Operation Arrows of the East began in August 2022, followed by further military operations, including one referred to as “Swords of Haws” in August 2023 and Operation Resolve in December 2025.

The author questions how allegations of cooperation can be reconciled with continued military operations against the organization.

However, assessing these claims requires distinguishing publicly reported battlefield confrontations from independently verified evidence that might establish or disprove covert relationships or arrangements.

 Reported Losses Among Southern Forces

According to figures cited in the analysis, UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC) forces suffered approximately 613 fatalities and injuries between August 2022 and September 2024.

The text also claims that the forces lost 113 vehicles and armored units, with material damage estimated at approximately $2 million.

These figures require independent verification before they can be treated as confirmed casualty and equipment-loss data.

The analysis concludes that Al-Qaeda in Yemen has become part of a wider political and media struggle involving local factions and regional powers, with accusations surrounding the organization shifting alongside changes in relations between rival parties.

Nevertheless, establishing whether any party has cooperated with Al-Qaeda—or categorically ruling out such cooperation—requires credible, independent evidence. Media statements and battlefield confrontations alone are insufficient to settle the question.

The key question: Do these competing accusations reflect documented operational relationships, or have they become part of the broader struggle over influence and political narratives in Yemen?

#Yemen #SaudiArabia #UAE #AlQaeda #Hadramout #Shabwa #Abyan #RegionalSecurity