Hadramout — A senior figure in Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), known as Abu al-Baraa al-San‘ani, has released an audio recording in a closed group, addressing recent military and security developments in Hadramawt and Al-Mahra governorates.

The message came shortly after forces of the Southern Transitional Council (STC) seized strategic positions in the two eastern governorates. 

In the recording, al-San‘ani issued incitement calls urging attacks against STC forces, while attempting to rally support among residents of Marib and other regions.

Local observers warn that such propaganda underscores the persistent threat posed by AQAP, despite recent territorial setbacks, and highlights the group’s strategy of leveraging instability to expand influence.