Batarfi’s Death and Al-Qaeda in Yemen’s New Emir: What Comes Next?

In the recent case of Yemen, the process of installing Al-Awlaqi was swift and smooth, contradicting the expectations of many due to reports of internal disputes over his leadership.[1] This analysis outlines the rise of Batarfi and Al-Awlaqi to the top of the organization’s hierarchy in Yemen and details the competitive relationship that existed between them in recent years. [...] The effects of this deal quickly manifested themselves when Al-Qaeda obtained drone weapons for the first time in May 2023, which was the culmination of its rapprochement with the Houthis.[32] In return, Batarfi ordered an intensification of military operations in southern Yemen and expanded the targets to include high-ranking individuals, the most prominent of which was Abdullatif al-Sayyid, comm. [...] Firstly he will take control of the crucial parts of the organization, specifically: the general command, which includes the emir along with 6-8 other leaders who share decision-making authority; the executive committees (military, financial, media, security, and special operations); and the emirs of the regions and governorates. [...] 10 Batarfi’s Death and Al-Qaeda in Yemen’s New Emir: What Comes Next? After the circumstances of the Israeli war on Gaza created the conditions for official cooperation with the ‘Axis of Resistance’ groups, Batarfi was surprised that the Houthis began to exert great pressure on them to resume internal operations in the south and avoid carrying out any attacks against Western targets – likely to av. [...] This analysis is part of a series of publications produced by the Sana’a Center and funded by the government of the Kingdom of The Netherlands.