● AQAP has exploited the political instability in Yemen to seize territory and increase its wealth and weaponry.
○ March 2012: AQAP seized heavy weaponry and military vehicles during a large assault against a base near al-Koud.
○ January 2014: AQAP overran a Yemeni military base, seizing weapons and three armored personnel carriers.
○ February 2015: AQAP seized weapons after overrunning the 19th Infantry Brigade camp in Shabwa, a location housing a large arsenal of ammunition and heavy weapons.