An Islamist terror group leader has released a disturbing video calling for the assassination of US President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and several top advisers. He said their strong support for Israel was the reason behind the threat, according to the New York Post.The Yemen-based figure is Sa’ad bin Atef al-Awlaki, who is the leader of al-Qa’ida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP).In a disturbing 34‑minute video titled ‘Inciting the Believers’, released on Sunday, the terror leader urged American Muslims to “take revenge” and strike at those he called “infidel Americans”. He named Trump, Vance, as well as figures like Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and billionaire Elon Musk. “Go after them and their families and all those who have any ties or are close to the politicians of the White House,” al‑Awlaki said.He further said, “There are no red lines after what has been happening to our people in Gaza,” and endorsed recent antisemitic attacks and prior assassination attempts on Trump, according to security sources.The video also includes a broader incitement of violence against Jewish people in the US. “Do not leave a single safe place for Jews — just as they have not left any homes, shelters, or respite for the Palestinians,” al‑Awlaki said. “Even hospitals are being bombed … Take revenge.” Al‑Awlaki became head of AQAP in March 2024 and has a $6 million US bounty on his head offered by the State Department. AQAP is officially designated a foreign terrorist organisation by the US government. The Associated Press reported that al‑Awlaki’s video was his first since assuming leadership and also urged lone‑wolf attacks targeting leaders in Egypt, Jordan and Gulf states over the Gaza conflict. According to analysts, AQAP appears to be trying to regain prominence amid growing tensions in Gaza and rising influence of the Iran‑backed Houthi movement in Yemen.
