In a newly surfaced video, Saad bin Atef al-Awlaki, the current leader of Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), has issued a disturbing call to action, urging extremist sympathizers in the United States to carry out targeted assassinations of high-profile American figures. The targets include former President Donald Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, tech entrepreneur Elon Musk, and other U.S. government officials, citing their support for Israel’s ongoing military operations in Gaza.
The video, which began circulating online Saturday, marks al-Awlaki’s first major public statement since assuming control of AQAP in 2024. In it, he describes his call for violence as “retaliation” for what he claims are injustices against Palestinians in Gaza.
“There are no red lines anymore after what our people have suffered,” al-Awlaki declared. Reciprocal action is not just permitted—it is required.” He then addressed Muslims living in the United States, imploring them to act in what he described as the defense of Gaza and Islam.
Al-Awlaki emphasized the need for secrecy and autonomy among his followers: “Do not consult anyone about killing infidel Americans,” he said. He then named specific individuals to be targeted, including Trump, Musk, Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth.
Throughout the half-hour propaganda video, visuals of the mentioned individuals were shown, including images of Trump with religious leaders, Musk with corporate branding, and others appearing in public events. Al-Awlaki’s statements also included a call for extremists to extend their violence to the families and close associates of these figures.
The video didn’t limit its threats to U.S. officials. It also called for attacks against leadership figures in Egypt, Jordan, and various Gulf nations, accusing them of complicity or silence in the face of the Israel-Hamas conflict.
AQAP, long considered the most dangerous arm of the global al-Qaeda network, has intensified its rhetoric since the start of the Gaza war. According to U.S. intelligence and global security reports, the group maintains an active force estimated at 3,000 to 4,000 members. Its operations are funded through criminal activities such as smuggling, kidnapping for ransom, and bank theft.
Al-Awlaki, who carries a $6 million bounty from the U.S. government, succeeded Khalid al-Batarfi after the group confirmed Batarfi’s death earlier this year. Washington has described al-Awlaki as a vocal proponent of attacks against the U.S. and its allies.
The alarming video also drew attention to the broader geopolitical shifts in the region. Houthi rebels in Yemen, who receive support from Iran, have similarly escalated tensions by launching missile attacks toward Israel and targeting maritime traffic in the Red Sea, further complicating an already volatile situation.
Al-Awlaki concluded his message with incendiary praise for previous antisemitic acts of violence, urging followers to leave “no safe haven for Jews,” citing the devastation in Gaza as justification for retaliatory attacks.
Security analysts are warning that this message could inspire lone-wolf actors, echoing tactics seen in past attacks across Europe and North America. U.S. intelligence agencies are reportedly reviewing the footage and assessing its potential impact on domestic security.
Al-Qaeda leader, Sa’ad Bin Atef Al-Awlaki, called for American Muslims to wage Jihad and also the assassination of American officials, including President Donald Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, and Elon musk among others pic.twitter.com/YZ5WZTX3uu
— Bob (@Shariakill) June 10, 2025
Disclaimer:
This article reports on a public threat made by a known terrorist organization and is intended solely for informational purposes to raise public awareness. The views expressed in the video do not reflect the values of this news platform, and we strongly condemn any form of violence or terrorism.
