Al - Qaeda has experienced some unexpected successes ; however , they are continuing to extract huge profits from their control of major oil fields in the southern part of the Yemen . According to reports , Al - Qaeda has enjoyed a resurgence in Yemen , which they claim is the side effect of Saudi - led intervention in 2015 . In this analysis, the normally ephemeral al-Qaeda made itself into a solid target, which the Yemeni military will be able to destroy, much as the United States tore apart al-Qaeda infrastructure in Afghanistan after 9/11. 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 , earning millions per day from the national oil industry whilst levying ' taxes ' upon ships 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 successes ; however , they are continuing to extract huge profits from their control of major oil fields in the southern part of the Yemen . According to reports , 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 , earning millions per day from the national oil industry whilst levying ' taxes ' upon ships 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 .