PRESS RELEASE | May 23, 2017
U.S. forces conduct counter-terrorism raid
CENTCOM

May 22, 2017
Release Number 20170522-01
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TAMPA, Fla.- U.S. forces conducted a counter-terrorism operation against a compound associated with al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula, May 23 (Yemen time) in Marib Governorate, Yemen.

Raids such as this provide insight into AQAP’s disposition, capabilities and intentions, which will allow us to continue to pursue, disrupt, and degrade AQAP.

During this operation, U.S. forces killed seven AQAP militants through a combination of small arms fire and precision airstrikes.

This operation was conducted with the support of the government of Yemen. In conjunction with our Arab allies, the U.S. will continue to support their efforts in bringing stability to the region by fighting known terrorist organizations like AQAP.

AQAP has taken advantage of ungoverned spaces in Yemen to plot, direct, and inspire terror attacks against America, its citizens, and allies around the world. The group attacked the U.S. Embassy-Sanaa in 2008, attempted to down Northwest Airlines 253 on Christmas Day 2009, and conspired to send explosive-laden parcels to Chicago in 2010. The group has also used its English-language magazine Inspire to encourage attacks against the West, and has been linked to the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing, 2009 Ft. Hood shooting, and other lone-wolf attacks in the U.S. and Europe. AQAP is a formidable terror group that remains committed and capable of attacking Americans and the U.S. homeland.

*Update 8:54AM EDT 23 MAY

We inadvertently referred to the government of Yemen as the Royal Government of Yemen.