al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) is a militant Islamist organization that emerged in 2009 as a branch of al-Qaeda. It primarily operates in Yemen and Saudi Arabia, focusing on carrying out attacks against Western interests and local governments. AQAP is known for its propaganda efforts, including the publication of the online magazine Inspire, which aims to recruit and inspire followers. The group has been involved in various high-profile attacks, including the attempted bombing of a U.S. airliner in 2009. AQAP has exploited the political instability in Yemen to strengthen its presence and influence, often engaging in violent confrontations with both government forces and rival militant groups.