The United States is committed to supporting efforts by the governments and people of the Arab Peninsula to end the threat posed by Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, or AQAP. As part of that support, we are offering rewards totaling up to $45 million leading to the locations of the terrorist group’s eight key leaders.
AQAP was formed in 2009 by Yemeni and Saudi terrorists under the leadership of Nasir al-Wahishi, who had headed a predecessor Al-Qaeda group in Yemen. It has conducted many high-profile terrorist attacks against the Yemeni government, U.S. and other foreign interests. In March 2009, an AQAP suicide bomber killed four South Korean tourists and their Yemeni guide. A few months later, AQAP dispatched a suicide bomber who attempted to detonate an explosive device aboard on a Northwest Airlines flight over the continental U.S. Other attacks followed.
Rewards are offered for Nasir al-Wahishi, AQAP’s top leader, responsible for approving AQAP targets, recruiting new members, allocating resources and directing attacks. In 2013, Al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri named him as his deputy.
Also, Qasim al-Rimi, a senior AQAP military commander who has played an important role in recruiting AQAP operatives.
Ibrahim Hassan Tali al-Asiri is AQAP’s primary bomb maker. He gained notoriety for recruiting his younger brother for a failed suicide bomb attack against Saudi Prince Muhammed bin Nayif in August 2009.
Jalal Bala’idi is an AQAP regional emir involved in 2013 with planning bomb attacks on various Western diplomatic facilities and personnel.
Others being sought are Ibrahim al-Rubaysh, a senior AQAP Sharia official and advisor who provides the justification for the group’s attacks; Ibrahim al-Banna, the group’s chief of security; and c, who has helped raise funds and stockpile weapons.
The U.S. guarantees that all credible reports will be investigated and the identity of all informants will be kept confidential. If appropriate, the U.S. is prepared to protect informants by relocating them. If you have information on any of these men, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate, the tip line at www.rewardsforjustice.net or e-mail information to info@rewardsforjustice.net.
