Shabwa Commander Says Qaeda Members Lure Youth with Politicized Social Projects

Shabwa elite forces Commander Mohammed al-Qamishi. Asharq Al-Awsat
Shabwa elite forces Commander Mohammed al-Qamishi. Asharq Al-Awsat
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Shabwa Commander Says Qaeda Members Lure Youth with Politicized Social Projects

Shabwa elite forces Commander Mohammed al-Qamishi. Asharq Al-Awsat
Shabwa elite forces Commander Mohammed al-Qamishi. Asharq Al-Awsat

Shabwa elite forces Commander Mohammed al-Qamishi said on Thursday that Qaeda operations targeting his forces are the toughest challenge faced in the Yemeni province. The leader also pointed out that most of these attacks have been thwarted.

Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Qamishi explained that the war against terrorism comes in two—“first confrontations on battlegrounds, and secondly on media platforms.”

He added that what challenged his forces was Qaeda militiamen resorting to unconventional means to spread terror in hopes of frustrating security measures and efforts, anchoring themselves in the region with mines and propaganda.

Qamishi also pointed fingers towards countries and media platforms that back terrorism – whether directly or indirectly – for jeopardizing regional security and stability.

“Their attempts have failed, despite the massive media campaign launched,” said Qamishi.

Qamishi also pointed to the terrorist organization's attempts to garner public sympathy among village and small-city dwellers.

Qaeda propagandists have “falsely promoted structural work in Shabwa through offering alleged service projects, politicized humanitarian assistance and Qaeda-instilled security".

The terror group hopes to gain support as it paints itself the false image of guardian of society and protector of locals.

Qamishi also highlighted the main driver for young people to join Qaeda enlisting is the staggering rates of unemployment, poverty, and falling into the terror group’s tempting propaganda.

Qaeda promotes itself as the sought out salvation to care for communities left behind.

"This is the main reason behind attracting youth is poverty, unemployment and absence of job opportunities," said Qamishi.

The commander also threw suspicion on assistance that arrives to Shabwa directorates on behalf of dubious charities controlled, through which people receive aid in the name of al-Qaeda.

"Terrorist organizations seek various means to gain citizen acceptance and compromise their position through publishing self-tailored religious lectures as well,"Qamishi added.

"Their truth shows the opposite of what they claim," he condemned the campaign.

Qamishi considered the battle to purge Azzan of Qaeda presence as the most demanding battles fought by his forces.

He attributed this to intense "military tasks, raids and pursuits which resulted in the arrest of a number Qaeda agents, soldiers and spies, including warlords and intelligence elements."

He stressed that his forces continue their military campaigns to hunt down terror pockets and cells "and will strike with an iron fist all those who begrudge or dare encroach on security and stability in the Shabwa province."



Clerics Accuse West Bank Israeli Settlers of Attacking Christian Sites

Latin Patriarch in Jerusalem Pierbattista Pizzaballa walks during the visit of the town of Taybeh, a Christian village in the Israeli-Occupied West Bank, following settler attacks, July 14, 2025. (Reuters)
Latin Patriarch in Jerusalem Pierbattista Pizzaballa walks during the visit of the town of Taybeh, a Christian village in the Israeli-Occupied West Bank, following settler attacks, July 14, 2025. (Reuters)
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Clerics Accuse West Bank Israeli Settlers of Attacking Christian Sites

Latin Patriarch in Jerusalem Pierbattista Pizzaballa walks during the visit of the town of Taybeh, a Christian village in the Israeli-Occupied West Bank, following settler attacks, July 14, 2025. (Reuters)
Latin Patriarch in Jerusalem Pierbattista Pizzaballa walks during the visit of the town of Taybeh, a Christian village in the Israeli-Occupied West Bank, following settler attacks, July 14, 2025. (Reuters)

Christian leaders accused Israeli settlers on Monday of attacking sacred sites in the West Bank, in violence that one said was forcing some to consider quitting the occupied territory.

The Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem, Theophilos III - visiting the Christian town of Taybeh with other Jerusalem-based clerics - said settlers had started a fire near a cemetery and a 5th century church there last week.

"These actions are a direct and intentional threat to our local community ... but also to the historic and religious heritage," the patriarch told diplomats and journalists at a press conference in Taybeh.

Settlers had also attacked homes in the area, he said.

"We call for an immediate and transparent investigation on why the Israeli police did not respond to emergency calls from the local community and why these abhorrent actions continue to go unpunished," he added.

Israel's government spokesperson did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. Israel's government had previously said that any acts of violence by civilians are unacceptable and that individuals should not take the law into their own hands.

During the visit, the heads of the churches led locals in prayer as candles flickered in the ruins of the 5th century church of St George. They spoke with residents who described their fears.

B'Tselem and other rights groups say settler violence in the West Bank has risen since the start of Israel's war against Palestinian group Hamas in Gaza in late 2023.

Dozens of Israelis have also been killed in Palestinian street attacks in recent years and the Israeli military has intensified raids across the West Bank.

Palestinian health authorities and witnesses said two men, including a US citizen, were killed by settlers during a confrontation on Friday night.

Fears over violence were pushing Christians to leave the West Bank, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Roman Catholic Patriarch of Jerusalem since 2020, said.

"Unfortunately, the temptation to emigrate is there because of the situation," he added. "This time it's very difficult to see how and when this will finish, and especially for the youth to talk about hope, trust for the future."

Around 50,000 Christian Palestinians live in Jerusalem and in the West Bank, an area that includes many of the faith's most sacred sites including Bethlehem where believers say Jesus was born.

Around 700,000 Israeli settlers live among 2.7 million Palestinians in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, territories Israel captured from Jordan in the 1967 war, which Palestinians see as part of a future state.