Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula confirms the death of its leader

Text by: RFI Follow

The Americans announced in early February that they had eliminated Qassem al-Rimi, the leader of al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, in Yemen. This Sunday, February 23, Aqpa confirms his death and announces his successor.

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In an audio message authenticated by the American center for monitoring Islamic sites SITE, the al-Qaeda terrorist organization in the Arabian Peninsula confirms the death of its leader Qassem al-Rimi. He is replaced by Khaled al-Batarfi, one of his relatives.

“ Khaled Batarfi has appeared in many Aqpa videos over the past few years. Although his role was never revealed, he appeared to be Rimi's assistant and the spokesperson for the group, "added SITE

On February 6, the White House claimed to have eliminated Qassem al-Rimi in Yemen, its homeland and stronghold of Aqpa, as the Americans as the most dangerous branch of the movement. Aqpa claimed responsibility for the attack in December 2019 on the Naval Air Base Pensacola, in Florida. Three American sailors and a Saudi officer were killed.

According to the United States, Qassem al-Rimi had joined al-Qaeda in the 1990s, working in Afghanistan for Osama bin Laden, before returning to Yemen. Aqpa has grown in power in this war-ravaged country for years.

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• Yemen
• Al Qaeda
• Terrorism

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U.S. confirms death of al-Qaeda leader in Arabian Peninsula