Activities of the al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula and so-called Islamic State in the Conflict in Yemen (2015-2017)

Abstract

This article compares the activities of two Salafi-jihadist organizations, Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula and the so-called Islamic State, in the context of the civil war in Yemen. The studied period is from in January 2015 till the end of March 2017. The author compares activities of both groups in four parameters – violent actions, control of territory and provision of services, acquisition of resources, and media activities. The author also briefly outlines other important influences on the mutual competition and its possible implications on the conflict in Yemen and global Salafi-jihadist competition.

Keywords

• Terrorism
• Yemen
• Civil war
• Insurgency
• Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula
• Islamic State