Two militants each driving car bombs attempted to target an oil storage facility at the Canadian-Yemeni al-Dhabba Port in Hadhramaut governorate, but their vehicles exploded prematurely after security opened fire on them, killing a guard.

From there, AQY would rebuild itself under the leadership of escapee Nasir al-Wuhayshi and senior leader Qasim al-Raymi, both of whom took part in planning the September attacks.

[3] Days prior to the bombings, al-Qaeda released a video message coinciding with the fifth anniversary of the September 11 attacks in which deputy leader Ayman al-Zawahiri declared the Arab states of the Persian Gulf as well as Israel as the groups next targets, blaming oil facilities within the countries for stealing Muslim wealth.

[9] At 5:50 a.m. AST, two white cars loaded with explosives and hand grenades, which were reportedly similar to those driven by staff at the facility, drove towards the Safer oil refinery in Marib city.

[12] On 6 November 2007, pro al-Qaeda websites displayed a video message of one of the suicide bombers in the attack, Shafiq Ahmad Omar Zaid.

[12][14] On 1 October, Yemeni security forces killed Fawaz al-Rubaiee, a key AQY member who oversaw the training of the suicide bombers in the attack, during a raid in Sanaa.

[2] A statement from the Yemeni Interior Ministry said that attacks will not stop the nation from "continuing its persistent efforts to fight terrorism and the terrorist elements of darkness that are trying to undermine the security and stability of the country and its interests.