Escalating Saudi-Emirati conflict turns Aden airport into “military barracks” following smuggling scandal

ADEN, Jan. 01 (YPA) – Aden International Airport witnessed a dangerous escalation that led to the suspension of civilian air traffic and its transformation into a military zone, following the outbreak of an open power struggle between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi against the backdrop of widespread smuggling attempts.

Political sources revealed that an attempt to smuggle more than $280 million and weapons to Abu Dhabi by leaders in the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC) was thwarted, prompting Saudi Arabia to impose mandatory inspections on all flights at Bisha Airport.

Abu Dhabi responded to the Saudi decision by instructing the Yemeni Minister of Transport in Aden government, affiliated with the STC, to immediately close the airport and begin evacuating it of employees not loyal to it in order to convert it into a closed military base.

The airport has shifted from a civilian gateway to a focal point for regional score-settling. This deepening rift between Coalition allies further exacerbates the security and political instability in southern Yemen.

YPA