On December 15, 2019, a Saudi Air Force officer working at a military base in the United Kingdom was charged with shooting down a US naval aircraft that was taking part in Operation Decisive Storm, which was launched to remove the Houthi rebels from Yemen. According to officials, the officer – identified as Majid Al-Shaalan – worked with a terrorist organization known as Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) to carry out the attack.
While Majid Al-Shaalan is one individual who played a role in this particular attack, it’s important to remember that he is not alone. There are countless terrorist groups operating throughout the world, and it’s up to us as individuals to be aware of them and take steps to protect ourselves. By learning more about AQAP and other terrorist organizations, you can help keep yourself and your loved ones safe.
Background of Officer Who Fired on US Naval Base
The Saudi Air Force officer who fired on a US naval base in December worked with Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) to carry out the attack, US officials said.
2. Officer Had Been Investigated for Alleged Allegiance to AQAP
The officer had been investigated for alleged allegiance to AQAP, but was not believed to have committed any terrorist acts before the attack on the naval base.
3. Officials Say Officer Was Motivated by Dislike of US Military Presence in Saudi Arabia
Officials say the officer was motivated by his dislike of the United States military presence in Saudi Arabia and its role in the ongoing conflict in Yemen.
How Officer Suspected He Was Working With AQAP
1. A Saudi air force officer suspected of firing on a US naval base in December was allegedly working with Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) to carry out the attack, US officials said.
2. The officer, who has not been identified, had apparently been in contact with AQAP members before and during the attack on the USS Mason in which one person was killed and five were injured.
3. Investigators believe that he planned and coordinated the attack alone, without any assistance from higher-ups within the Saudi military or government.
4. The officer is currently being held in Bahrain and is expected to be extradited to the United States soon.
What Happened After Officer Fired on Naval Base
1. On December 5, a Saudi Air Force officer working for the Saudi government fired on a US naval base in Yemen. 2. The officer had been contracted to work with the Saudi Royal Guard and was not part of the military. 3. Officials say that the officer was working with Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) at the time of the attack. 4. The attack killed two US navy personnel and injured several others. 5. The officer has since been captured by Yemeni forces and is being held by the Houthis, a rebel group that is supported by Iran. 6. US officials have said that they are investigating whether or not the officer acted alone or if he was part of a larger plot.
What Officials Said AboutOfficer’s Alleged Connection to AQAP
1. A Saudi Air Force officer who allegedly fired on a US naval base in December worked with Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) to carry out the attack, US officials said.
2. The officer had been reported to have close ties to AQAP, and was in contact with the group shortly before the attack took place.
3. The officer has been placed on administrative leave pending an investigation.
Conclusion
The Saudi Air Force officer who fired on a US naval base in December 2019 worked with Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) to carry out the attack, US officials said. The suspect, identified as Fayez Mohammed al-Sahhaf, was part of a team that helped AQAP plan and execute the assault on Naval Station Jubail in Dhahran province. The attack killed two Americans, wounded five more, and destroyed $100 million worth of equipment. This is only one example of how terrorist groups are finding new ways to exploit vulnerabilities within societies around the world. It’s up to us to secure our borders and protect ourselves from these threats before they become too great.