United Arab Emirates (UAE) forces have occupied sea and airports on Yemen’s remote island of Socotra, a day after deploying four military craft and more than 100 troops there, according to a Yemeni government official.
Condemning the move as an “act of aggression”, the official said UAE soldiers also blocked Ahmed Obeid bin Daghr, Yemen’s prime minister, and 10 ministers from leaving Socotra on Friday.
“The UAE has occupied the airport and seaport of Socotra island, despite the Yemeni government’s presence there. What the UAE is doing in Socotra is an act of aggression,” the official told Al Jazeera.
Saudi Arabia has pledged to send investigators to Socotra, according to the official.
Socotra, a UNESCO heritage site home to some 60,000 people, has a 3,000-metre-long runway, ideal for fighter jets and large military aircraft.
Locals living in Al-Mahrah governorate, a territory bordering Oman have voiced concerns over a Saudi-contingent force entering its territory late last year. Tensions erupted as Saudi Arabia’s forces demanded the control over Al-Mahrah’s airport and ports. The Al-Mahrah military forces denied access until the Al-Mahrah security committee and tribal leaders were required to step in and mediate the tension.
In early January Saudi Arabia deployed additional forces to increase its presence in Al-Mahrah governorate.
#Saudi continues to ramp up its presence in #Mahra, #Yemen's eastern-most governorate that borders #Oman. More military "support" from #Saudi drove into al-Ghayda city today citing a need to improve security. pic.twitter.com/3NkBvSDrT6
— Elisabeth Kendall (@Dr_E_Kendall) January 4, 2018