Terror threat

Of the more than 70 Al Qaeda franchises, the Yemen-based Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) has been one of the most effective. It was the group behind the development of what became known as the “underwear” bomb and the attempt to deliver bombs to a Synagogue in Chicago using parcels sent by air freight in October 2010.

Given the enduring nature of the threat from AQAP and its reputation for innovation, it has been classified by the Department of State as the most dangerous of Al Qaeda’s franchises. It was therefore hardly surprising that it should claim to be behind the heinous attacks on the offices of Charlie Hebdo in Paris.

Analysis- Yemen Is Going Downhill Rapidly. A Secure Jihad Launch Pad?