Al-Qaeda has experienced some unexpected setbacks; however, they are continuing to extract huge profits from their control of major oil fields in the southern region of the Yemen. The Yemeni government is currently fighting a war against al-Qaeda and other terrorist groups that have been operating inside its borders. This action was triggered by gains made against the Yemen government by Houthi rebels with approval from Saudi Arabia's deadliest enemy, Iran. Al-Qaeda had previously controlled 375 miles of southern coastline, extorting millions per day from the national oil company whilst levying 'taxes' upon goods passing through ports under their control. A Yemeni offensive curtailed some of their activities; however, the terrorist organisation is viewed as a fact of life in Yemen.
Al-Qaeda has experienced some unexpected setbacks; however, they are continuing to extract huge profits from their control of major oil fields in the southern region of the Yemen. According to Reuters, Al-Qaeda has enjoyed a resurgence in Yemen, which they claim is the side effect of Saudi-led intervention in 2015. This action was triggered by gains made against the Yemen government by Houthi rebels with approval from Saudi Arabia's deadliest enemy, Iran. Al-Qaeda had previously controlled 375 miles of southern coastline, extorting millions per day from the national oil company whilst levying 'taxes' upon goods passing through ports under their control. A Yemeni offensive curtailed some of their activities; however, the terrorist organisation is viewed as a fact of life in Yemen.