Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), Al-Qaeda's affiliate in Yemen, released a video on October 28, 2025, titled Sabil al-Rashad ("The Path of Guidance"). The hour-long production warns Yemenis against espionage and showcases AQAP’s claimed ability to detect and expose alleged informants working for foreign intelligence services, including the United States.

The video features confessions from several Yemeni men accused of collaborating with foreign powers to track AQAP operatives. According to the group, these individuals planted electronic devices and relayed sensitive information that facilitated drone strikes targeting AQAP members in southern Yemen.

A man identified as Abu Islam al-Muhajir, introduced as a security official within AQAP, appears in the video to explain the group’s counterintelligence efforts. He claims AQAP uncovered a network of spies and subjected them to internal trials under its interpretation of Islamic law. The video concludes with footage of executions, which AQAP frames as a deterrent to future collaboration with foreign entities.

This release marks a continuation of AQAP’s media strategy aimed at reinforcing its control over local populations and deterring intelligence cooperation with Western governments. The group has previously published similar productions featuring alleged confessions and punishments of informants.

Human rights advocates have condemned AQAP’s use of public executions and coerced confessions, warning that such practices violate international law and contribute to instability in Yemen. The identities and legal status of the accused remain unverified, and no independent confirmation of the claims made in the video has been provided.

The U.S. government has not commented on the video, though it continues to conduct counterterrorism operations in Yemen, including drone strikes targeting AQAP leadership.