Pro-Saudi authorities demolish citizens’ homes in Socotra

  SOCOTRA, April 16 (YPA) – Local authorities backed by Saudi Arabia in the Socotra Archipelago have demolished several homes belonging to residents in Hadibo city, sparking widespread anger and accusations of selective enforcement.

According to local activists, bulldozers moved into Twentieth Street in Hadibo on Wednesday and began razing houses under the pretext of improving the city’s appearance, despite the buildings having stood for years without prior objections.

Residents described the move as discriminatory, saying it primarily targeted low-income families, while larger land encroachments and violations in strategic areas remain unaddressed.

They added that authorities had previously allowed construction without warning, only to carry out sudden demolitions without compensation or alternative housing, leaving several families displaced and prompting criticism over what was described as unjust and arbitrary measures.

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