Al-Qaida in Yemen offers bounty on US ambassador

Yahya Arhab / EPA, file

The Yemen branch of al-Qaida has put out a bounty on U.S. Ambassador Gerald Feierstein, shown earlier this month at a military conference in Sanaa.

The Yemen-based branch of al-Qaida has offered a bounty for anyone who kills the U.S. ambassador to Yemen or an American soldier in the impoverished Arab state, a group that monitors Islamist websites said.

Al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) said it was offering 3 kilograms (more than 105 ounces) of gold for the killing of Ambassador Gerald Feierstein, the U.S. ambassador based in Sanaa, the U.S.-based SITE Intelligence Group said, citing an audio released by militants.


AQAP also offered to pay 5 million rials ($23,350) to anyone who kills any American soldier in Yemen, it said.

Citing the audio, SITE said the offer was put out as being valid for six months and was made "to encourage our Muslim Ummah (nation), and to expand the circle of the jihad (holy war) by the masses."

Suspected al-Qaida attack kills 26

AQAP, made up mostly of militants from Yemen and Saudi Arabia, is regarded by the United States as the most dangerous branch of the network founded by Osama bin Laden.


In September, AQAP urged Muslims to step up protests and kill U.S. diplomats in Muslim countries over a film denigrating the Prophet Mohammad, which it said was another chapter in the "crusader wars" against Islam.

The film provoked an outcry among Muslims, who deem any depiction of the Prophet as blasphemous and triggered violent attacks on embassies in countries in Asia and the Middle East.

Four U.S. officials, including the ambassador to Libya, were killed in the aftermath. The Pentagon said it had sent a platoon of Marines to Yemen after demonstrators stormed the U.S. Embassy in Sanaa.

A U.S. ally, Yemen is struggling against challenges on many fronts since mass protests forced veteran leader Ali Abdullah Saleh to step down in February after decades in power.

Key al-Qaida figure killed

President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi's government is trying to re-establish order and unify the army.

Washington, which has pursued a campaign of assassination by drone and missile against suspected al-Qaida members, backed a military offensive in May to recapture areas of Abyan province. But militants have struck back with a series of bombings and killings.

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why do we appoint jewish ambassadores to islamic country's?

  • 1 vote
Reply#28 - Mon Dec 31, 2012 11:00 AM EST

Obviously the majority of the American people do not feel that Obama is "just like" Bush. In fact, having a presidential candidate I would have a hard time coming up with an American president that failed even close to the magnitude of George W Bush, a true son of the great state of Texas, who used the 9/11 tragedies to tend to his own personal agenda of "getting" Saddam Hussein. There are still right wing idiots that try to spread the tiny general's propaganda that he was after Osama Bin Laden and simply took the opportunity (sort of a "kill two birds with one stone" deal) to invade Iraq, take out their leader and then move on in the search for Osama. Maybe our Mr. Bush did not realize that his actions (without the approval of congress) would keep too many of our troops pinned down in Iraq, which now had no leader, leaving very little American ground support to search out the perpetrator of mass murder of American citizens on American soil, using American airports, airplanes, airspace and jet fuel. Humiliating, isn't it. And the only reason that there weren't more killed that day was due to the brave Americans abroad Flight 93 (which the hijackers had turned heading it toward Washington DC) that took that plane into the ground in an sparsely populated, beautiful area of PA. They knew they were going to die, but they took control and got the job at hand done and saved untold lives while losing their own. It's hard understand what people in this country want. Well...no is isn't. There are basically three elements in the US. The right wing...the left wind...and the DGAS wing. All with loud mouths and abusive attitudes. Because we are a radical people, there never seems to be that "happy medium" that we can see as the right path.

    Reply#29 - Mon Dec 31, 2012 11:01 AM EST

    You will NEVER see that "happy medium" that you seek under this presidents administration..The simple truth is, from day one, he's done nothing but try to divide and conquer..He's pitted Democrats against Republicans, The poor against the rich, Black against White, Black and White against the Mexicans, and any other combination of 'groups of people" against each other..And this is NOT the view of a tea bagger or a racist or a bigot or a right wing religious nut...I'm actually a sane, independent, that doesn't need the government to think every thought for me..And if you will take off the rose colored glasses ,and actually "look" at whats happening and NOT just listen to the media and take it as the Gospel, then you will see that I'm right..

    • 2 votes
    #29.1 - Mon Dec 31, 2012 12:01 PM EST
    Reply

    just ban islam from the planet if thier islam and wont stop it kill um

    • 2 votes
    Reply#30 - Mon Dec 31, 2012 11:03 AM EST

    But wait a minute, our illustrious president said these muslims were't our enemies? How can this be?? (roll eyes).

    • 2 votes
    Reply#31 - Mon Dec 31, 2012 11:06 AM EST

    The US should offer a bounty for anyone who kills high ranking Al- qaida. Such as US citizenship! Lets see how quickly Al- Qaida falls then!

    • 2 votes
    Reply#32 - Mon Dec 31, 2012 11:09 AM EST

    I am sickened by this story claiming again that a video of mohammed is what triggered this. That is not factual at all. This has been proven in a court of law so this story is basically fabricated in my mind. If your reading a story and find a huge lie right in the beginning, theres a good chance the whole thing is propaganda. Those folks attacked our Libyian post because It was 9-11 for one, and second Obama's policies in the middle east have called for all soldiers to put down their arms. Obama doesnt want American soldiers on any patrols carring weapons, we already have the image as the worlds biggest bully. The people that attacked that outpost with an American Ambassador basically walked up and lit the building on fire.

    • 3 votes
    Reply#33 - Mon Dec 31, 2012 11:10 AM EST

    Amen, Luke. Can't believe we are still talking about the video....and agree with your last sentence. This area of the world does not respond to gestures of friendship. In their eyes, we are the enemy, plain and simple. Nothing will change that in anyone's lifetime unfortunately. Just look at how that area of the world has evolved (or not). Their thinking as a whole will not change with time or a more accommodating/generous foreign policy either. They laugh and scoff at it and see it as a sign of weakness and opportunity. Sure, we got OBL, but that has really not weakened the extremist movement. Unfortunately, the only method that works with these types is fear and strength. Just ask the ruthless dictators and Kings in the middle east how they keep the extremists in check.

    I do not beleive in carpet bombing, nuclear attacks or other extreme measures...way too simplistic not to mention barbaric. However, you have to lead from in front (not behind) with an iron fist and quick lethal disproportionate consequences to send a message to regimes or extremist groups (similar to what happened in Libya after the PanAm terrorist attack....notice how Qaddaffi was pretty quiet after that). Our leadership's response (or lack thereof) to Benghazi is sad, laughable, ineffective and unfortunately based on political gain....

    Shameful to sacrifice the lives fo those serving our country because it does not fit a certain political narrative...

    I wonder how Yemen will turn out but if I were a dipomat or serviceman in Yemen, I would be VERY concerned after how Benghazi was handled....I'd want to get the hell out of there because I would not be confident that the POTUS had my back! Loyalty, honor and service only appears to work one way with this administration...

    • 3 votes
    #33.1 - Mon Dec 31, 2012 12:06 PM EST
    Reply

    yawnnn getting so tired of these muslims, just eradacate them all, cant ever trust a muslim, they are all kilelrs, havent a decent bone in thier body, horrible people if they are people mainly inhumane idiots,we should put a bounty out on all muslims, 50 cents each,whole bunch should of been killed off centuries ago, be a better world without them

    • 1 vote
    Reply#34 - Mon Dec 31, 2012 11:10 AM EST

    JS in SD I think there is alot of validity to what you say. In other words JS you don't have any hope that we, they, us are going to settle all the differences, bring peace, prosperity, democracy and WalMarts to the Middle-East? It's a heck of a deal isn't it? 20some K to the average Yemen is about like a half million dollar bounty here.

      Reply#35 - Mon Dec 31, 2012 11:12 AM EST

      Okay, let's see if there's a train of thought in this story...the United States has been hunting down these guys with drones and targeted raids. The US offers rewards for killing or capturing them. They in turn offer a bounty on the US Ambassador. So far so good (unless you happen to be the US Ambassador or any of his immediate group). Sounds pretty fair to me. I'm not cheering for the bad guys, but you can hardly blame them for posting a bounty. The good news is that they felt they had to offer a bounty. You'd think their boys would already be fairly well fired up and motivated, but apparently them need a little encouragement.

      Has anyone read through the "fine print" on the bounty offer. Paragraph 3, subsection 3, sentence 2 specifically states it has to be accomplished using a suicide bomb vest. Pretty clever those terrorists.

        Reply#36 - Mon Dec 31, 2012 11:16 AM EST

        Oh and Justmythoughts, we do have bounties on high-level Al-Queda, member the playing cards? Had'em from the get-go 5Mill on Osama, and in Viet-Nam, others "conflicts"your absolutly right RTColorado

          Reply#37 - Mon Dec 31, 2012 11:19 AM EST

          After reading these commenets I wonder how americans are shocked that most hate them.. Let's see; Here are some favorites Nuke Them , Turn the place into Glass , Level complete cities , Kill them all , send them back to the stone ages etc etc etc. How are you americans any different then from those that you wish to anihilate??? Yes the world DOES hate you !!!!

            Reply#39 - Mon Dec 31, 2012 11:22 AM EST

            yep.it does probably fit,but i can say it in this country;called freedom of speech. now,i know that the usa would never drop a nuke on them just ain't happening.

            • 1 vote
            #39.1 - Mon Dec 31, 2012 11:30 AM EST

            Hate begets hate, usasucs. People are tired of them, plus, in times of war, which this is, it's him-or-me. I'd rather it be him. Survival mode has been activated. And your name suggests that you hate a lot, too. USA sucks, huh? You have no right to point fingers, child.

            • 1 vote
            #39.2 - Mon Dec 31, 2012 11:59 AM EST

            becky I have more right than you know!!!! And yes the usa does suck.

              #39.3 - Mon Dec 31, 2012 12:08 PM EST

              USASUCS, with all due respect, I presume you live or are a citizen of the US in which you are able to enjoy the freedoms of speech, etc. If you were a citizen (or even a visitor) in one of these other countries you defend, I would try making disparaging public remarks about their government and see what happens. I would pray that the U.S. government and military could rescue you from the bowels of hell in their prisons.

              True, the US is imperfect and our politicians on both sides would rather fight over ideology than lead for what is best for all....but it is still the best country in the world. If you disagree, no reason for you not to leave....then I do not have to support you and your lifestyle...

              • 1 vote
              #39.4 - Mon Dec 31, 2012 12:40 PM EST

              usa -

              As you are so enamored of other countries and prefer them to the US, why haven't you moved there?

                #39.5 - Mon Dec 31, 2012 2:55 PM EST
                Reply

                now,these americans need to leave like yesterday! not worth getting killed in this dust bowel. the administration of this country is weak,and thats putting it lightly. now,i know the Marines have to stay and defend this a@@ bag,but i would shoot to kill if my life was in danger.

                let the muslims kill muslims,and lets stop trying to change these people.

                SEMPER FI

                DANNY P

                • 3 votes
                Reply#40 - Mon Dec 31, 2012 11:26 AM EST

                Okay, so they have made this statement. Now its time for the USA to make a statement...with a carpet bombing of the entire country. Hunt them all down and kill them like the pigs they are. The world will not be right until each and everyone of them is eliminated from the earth. After all, their only mission is to eliminate us from the earth...may as well beat them to the draw.

                • 3 votes
                Reply#41 - Mon Dec 31, 2012 11:30 AM EST

                We should talk to them and apologize for our past misdeeds - and especially for any fictiocious videos that might make fun of their prophet! He must have been a great religious teacher - just look how his students turned out! By their fruits you shall know them - after all.

                  #41.1 - Mon Dec 31, 2012 11:48 AM EST

                  Hitler got it right during WWII, but instead of the jews, he should have inserted the Arabs instead..

                  • 2 votes
                  #41.2 - Mon Dec 31, 2012 11:48 AM EST
                  Reply

                  They have seen our weak spot and are going to attack us at our weak point. If China refuses to buy our now junk bonds we are finished. We should all be learning Chinese and Arabic so we can be assimilated when they come

                  • 2 votes
                  Reply#42 - Mon Dec 31, 2012 11:30 AM EST

                  No problem - we will just print more money to pay for the deficit spending. The important thing is that they don't cut my benefits and make me work for a living!

                  • 1 vote
                  #42.1 - Mon Dec 31, 2012 11:46 AM EST

                  They will not cut the benefits but your $2,450.00 SS check will not buy enough to pay your electric bill and food stamps will buy rice and cornmeal only

                    #42.2 - Mon Dec 31, 2012 3:13 PM EST
                    Reply

                    Really, NBC News??? Let's bring our level of reporting up a notch and stick to facts rather than conjecture, hyperbole and wishful thinking. Perhaps a little further investigation (or thought beyond what the white house releases for you to print) would deduce that these extremists wanted to kill us BEFORE any video was released. AQ just used the video (which I don't necessarily approve of either) as propoganda to further their agenda. Much like they use the mainstream media (MSM)in the U.S. People in this administration (and the MSM) continue to believe that if we are nice to the extremists, they will not threaten us. Ummmmm, how has that worked out for us the last 4 years? Now, I believe that we should aid countries that are susceptible to extemist Islamist rule (some sub-Saharan countries in Africa apply here) in order to prop them up and build security and opportunity so AQ and others do not prey on the desperate and poverty stricken; but, we need to stop providing aid to our enemies and those who threaten our security and way of life. Our in-the-tank media is just as culpable as this administration is for our failed foreign policy because they are not reporting the realities and facts to educate the public "accurately." Do you think the coverage would be different if Bush or another Republican is in office? You bet!!! I truly want our president to be successful and a world leader...we all need that!! ...just rid yourself of the idealogues, protect our servicemen and diplomats abroad with sound foreign policy and security measures, make the tough decisions that are best for our country...and not for a particular party's objectives. Become the president of all people like you said in 2008....not just for the left. This can be your legacy...

                    May God bless the U.S., our president and all Americans (here and abroad). Happy New Year to all!

                    • 1 vote
                    Reply#43 - Mon Dec 31, 2012 11:31 AM EST

                    Yo, Mr Big O man your battle stations. More warning than FDR got for Pearl Harbor. Or did he, and simply not take it seriously, which brought us WWII in the Pacific, etc. May these warning bells ring yours.

                    • 2 votes
                    Reply#44 - Mon Dec 31, 2012 11:34 AM EST

                    I guess you can put a bounty on anyone and get away with it? Black Panthers did.

                    • 3 votes
                    Reply#45 - Mon Dec 31, 2012 11:35 AM EST

                    "AQAP"? Why are we referring to a terrorist group as an acronym like it was some sort of established corporation or stock market entity? It's this kind of recognition and poor journalistic labeling that hurts the propoganda war against murderous groups like this. Call it al qaeda and be done with it -- who cares where they are or what "branch" they are part of. They should never deserve anything more than a simple, evil name.

                    ps. I'm thrilled the Yemani gov't has put out counter-rewards. Excellent approach.

                    • 2 votes
                    Reply#46 - Mon Dec 31, 2012 11:35 AM EST

                    Kind of like what the media SHOULD be doing when someone KILLS our little angels in school a few weeks back..They should NEVER sensationalize or even SPEAK the persons name that is responcible for those cowardly acts..But instead, the name of that individual is seared into our memory because the media falls all over itsself to be the 'first" to report it, and keep reporting it, and keep reporting it..

                    Think I'm wrong??? Give me ONE of those babies names that were killed..Now name me the gunman..

                    • 2 votes
                    #46.1 - Mon Dec 31, 2012 11:43 AM EST
                    Reply

                    If we would have show a little more 'BALLS" to the last round of attacks against us by Al-Quida in Benghazie, then this $HIT wouldnt be happening today..If I were them, I would have used Benghazie as an example to new recruits and members to show them that the United States is NOTHING more than a "paper Tiger"..And thats exactally what we've become under this Administration..But hey, what can you expect from a president that CLEARLY believes that AL-Quida has been defeated..

                    I'm just wondering when they DO kill the ambassador to Yemen, how long it will take The Three Stooges{Obama, hillary, and Reid}to roll out that standard press release again that states" The abbassador to Yemen and 4 other Americans were killed today in responce to a "video" released last year"..It worked last time with the Sheeps, might as well try it again...right?

                    • 3 votes
                    Reply#47 - Mon Dec 31, 2012 11:37 AM EST

                    We have the most sophisticated intelligence/spy agencies in the world, and yet we can't catch/eliminate these guys running around in baggy pant wrecking havoc anywhere they please? Time for Jason Bourne and James Bond to hit the bricks for these guys.

                    • 1 vote
                    Reply#48 - Mon Dec 31, 2012 11:39 AM EST

                    This is just thte beginning. Obama did nothing to retaliate for the last murders so it is no surprise to see it begin to escalate. We will be getting attacked on US soil soon and Obama will have the FBI look into it. He will not accept the fact that there are terrorists that hate us.

                    Of course, it would help if he would allow our intelligence agencies to used advanced interrogation technniques and stop calling it torture. It is why we got Osama after all - not because of the gutless president that knew his whereabouts for six months before finally being coerced into "pulling the trigger."

                    • 2 votes
                    Reply#49 - Mon Dec 31, 2012 11:41 AM EST

                    If the people in Yemen will kill us for a buck, then what the hell is the sense of being there?? When will the politicians here in the U.S. wake up to the fact that these Dogs in the Arab world cannot be tamed. Let them kill each other while we sit back and watch.

                    • 3 votes
                    Reply#50 - Mon Dec 31, 2012 11:42 AM EST

                    steven 100 you nailed it we could use your common sense in washington

                      Reply#51 - Mon Dec 31, 2012 11:45 AM EST

                      Let's get nuclear about it. If ya know what I mean.

                        Reply#52 - Mon Dec 31, 2012 11:53 AM EST

                        the film is just an excuse. these Muslim criminal Freaks don't car about that. they are two face just like always. what they are doing is making it look bad for all the Muslim's that are trying to be normal like other religions. these Muslim's that are trying to do good should show say more to denounce these criminals. they are like the mentally ill and serial killers and all should be eradicated from the planet.

                        • 1 vote
                        Reply#53 - Mon Dec 31, 2012 11:56 AM EST

                        Muslims don't say anything against the Radicals because in my opinion they agree with them. Why else would they be so silent when innocent people are blown up in the name of Allah? Why they think their God Allah would look Favorably on all the murdering of innocent people, is beyond me.

                        • 1 vote
                        #53.1 - Mon Dec 31, 2012 12:33 PM EST
                        Reply
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