National Counterterrorism Center Issues Warning Regarding Al-Qa’ida Resurgance

Federal agencies are alerting law enforcement and first responders to a renewed threat from al-Qa‘ida, which has recently amplified its calls for attacks within the United States. The group and its affiliate, al-Qa‘ida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), are reportedly leveraging global conflicts and their media platforms to inspire individuals to carry out attacks using accessible methods.

Recent publications from AQAP have urged supporters in the U.S. to engage in violence, suggesting the use of firearms, explosives, knives, vehicle-rammings, or Molotov cocktails. These calls specifically target individuals or organizations perceived as supporting Israel, as well as law enforcement and government entities. The group has also indicated that large protests or civil disturbances could present opportune moments for carrying out acts of terrorism.

In July of last year, AQAP released the tenth edition of its English-language publication, *Inspire Guide*, with a second issue appearing within the same month. This edition reportedly celebrated recent attacks in the U.S. and issued fresh directives for attacks on American soil. Additionally, in June, an AQAP leader, Sa’d Atif al-Aulaqi, issued a video titled *Inciting the Believers*. In this video, he called for attacks against high-profile U.S. officials, including the President, Vice President, Secretaries of Defense and State, members of Congress, and their families, extending the threat to at least one private U.S. citizen. Al-Aulaqi’s rhetoric emphasized revenge and stated there was no distinction between civilian and military targets.

Furthermore, in June, AQAP published the ninth edition of its Inspire Guide, which focused on inciting lone-actor attacks within the United States. This publication, titled *A Message Beyond Bullets: Attack on the Jewish Capital Museum in Washington, D.C.*, appears to be an attempt to capitalize on the killing of two Israeli Embassy employees in front of the Jewish Capital Museum earlier that year. The guide specifically called for Muslims in America to take action.

The themes identified in these recent al-Qa‘ida threats align with historical attack plots targeting the U.S. since 9/11. These historical plots have frequently focused on aviation, symbolic or economic targets, U.S. military and government personnel and facilities, and the general public. Al-Qa‘ida’s consistent use of these themes in its propaganda suggests these remain potential targets that authorities, first responders, and public safety officials should monitor closely.

Past threats and plots against aviation targets by al-Qa‘ida and its affiliates include a 2010 attempt by AQAP to ship explosive devices hidden in printer cartridges on cargo aircraft bound for Chicago. In 2009, a trained operative, personally directed by Anwar al-Aulaqi, attempted to detonate a bomb hidden in his underwear on a flight from Amsterdam to Detroit. Earlier plots involved a 2006 plan by a UK-based cell to bomb passenger flights to the U.S. and Canada using liquid explosives, and the 2001 shoe-bomb attempt on a flight from Paris to Miami. The 9/11 attacks, in which al-Qa‘ida operatives hijacked four commercial planes, remain a defining event in the history of U.S. aviation security.

Symbolic and economic targets have also been a focus. The 2013 Boston Marathon bombing, carried out by brothers inspired by al-Qa‘ida’s ideology and using bomb-making instructions from Inspire magazine, resulted in three deaths and over 260 injuries. While not directly affiliated with al-Qa‘ida, the perpetrators had considered attacking other events. A disrupted plot in 2009 involved an al-Qa‘ida operative and two co-conspirators planning to bomb the New York City subway system, an operation that was thwarted by U.S. authorities. The 9/11 attacks also targeted the World Trade Center in New York City, which al-Qa‘ida viewed as a prominent symbol of American economic power.

Threats against U.S. military and government targets have also been consistent. Most recently, in 2025, AQAP issued threats against high-level U.S. officials and their families. In 2019, AQAP enabled an attack by a Saudi Air Force trainee at a naval air station in Pensacola, Florida, resulting in three fatalities and injuries to eight others. The attacker had maintained regular contact with AQAP members to share his plans. A 2015 incident saw a gunman inspired by al-Qa‘ida’s ideology kill four U.S. Marines in Tennessee, with the attacker having watched videos by Anwar al-Aulaqi. Former al-Qa‘ida leader Usama bin Laden also criticized former President Obama’s policies and identified him as a target in 2010. A 2009 attack at Fort Hood army base in Texas, carried out by a U.S. military officer inspired by al-Qa‘ida and who admired Anwar al-Aulaqi, resulted in 13 deaths and 32 injuries. Usama bin Laden also threatened former President George W. Bush in 2004. The 9/11 attacks included a strike on the Pentagon in Northern Virginia.

Sa’d Atif al-Aulaqi assumed leadership of AQAP in 2024 and has since been actively inciting attacks against the U.S. and its allies. During his previous role as a regional leader for AQAP in Yemen, he was involved in orchestrating attacks against U.S. interests and the kidnapping of American citizens. The U.S. Department of State’s Rewards for Justice program increased its reward offer to $10 million for information leading to al-Aulaqi’s identification or location.

For first responders, awareness of these threats is crucial. In the context of aviation, potential attacks could occur in confined spaces, necessitating functional specialized equipment, including personal protective equipment. Additionally, hoax threats, such as swatting, are recognized as a low-cost tactic to create fear and divert resources. To mitigate these, first responders are advised to assess for background noises or unusual caller demeanor, review threats for vagueness or inconsistencies, and confirm if calls originate from Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services.

For symbolic and economic targets, which often draw large crowds and are of high visibility, event planners and public safety officials should consider integrated security measures, including a visible law enforcement presence. Information sharing through pre-event briefings on safety and security plans is also recommended. Conducting site visits prior to events to understand movement patterns can help identify suspicious activity.

Regarding government and public officials, who may be targeted due to perceived grievances or ideological opposition, maintaining awareness of current tactics used by lone offenders or small groups is vital. Enhancing digital literacy is recommended to protect online activity, patterns of life, and personal security. This includes altering daily routines to avoid surveillance, refraining from sharing work-related details or travel plans publicly, and removing identification when off-duty.

Article by Ken Buckler, based upon information from the National Counterterrorism Center

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