Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP)

Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) is a militant Islamist group based mainly in Yemen and Saudi Arabia. It emerged from the larger al-Qaeda network and aims to establish a strict Islamic state through violent means, including terrorist attacks. AQAP has been responsible for plotting attacks against Western targets and spreading extremist ideology in the region. It operates covertly, recruiting members and planning operations, often exploiting the ongoing conflict and instability in Yemen. International efforts continue to target and dismantle AQAP, which remains one of the most active and dangerous branches of al-Qaeda globally.