Al-Qaeda leader says group fought alongside US-backed forces

Qasim al-Rimi leads the group known as Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, considered by Washington to be the most dangerous offshoot of the global terror network.

The leader of al-Qaeda’ branch in Yemen says his militants have often fought alongside Yemeni government factions — remarks that could embarrass the US-backed coalition fighting the impoverished Arab country’s Shia rebels.

A Houthi militant stands guard on the roof of a building overlooking a rally attended by supporters of the Houthi movement in Sanaa, Yemen in March. Al-Qaeda militants have on occasion fought alongside Yemeni government factions against the Houthis, one of its leaders said. (REUTERS FILE)

Qasim al-Rimi leads the group known as Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, considered by Washington to be the most dangerous offshoot of the global terror network.

He says al-Qaeda militants have on occasion fought alongside Yemeni government factions, including “the Muslim Brotherhood and also our brothers among the sons of tribes” against Yemen’s Shia rebels known as Houthis.

Al-Rimi, who is on the US most-wanted list with a $5 million reward for his capture, spoke to AQAP’s media arm al-Malahem on Sunday.

He succeeded Nasir al-Wuhayshi, who was killed in a US drone strike nearly two years ago.