Major Emirati businessman occupies large plots of land on occupied Socotra island

SOCOTRA, Nov. 15 (YPA) – The UAE occupation has pushed one of its most prominent businessmen to occupy large tracts of land on the Yemeni island of Socotra, amid reports of a joint Emirati-Israeli investment in the strategic island.

This was reported by Yemen News Portal, base on testimony of well-informed sources.

According to the sources, Emirati businessman Tariq Al Khaja, brother of Abu Dhabi’s ambassador to the Israeli entity, arrived on Socotra island to buy large and strategic piece of land in the island.

The sources explained that the Office of the Land Authority, which is under the control of the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC), is forcing the indigenous people to sign land grants to Al Khaja.

Observers said the purchase of land on the vital island is part of an Emirati-Israeli plan to set up joint investment projects meant to increase intelligence and military activity for the occupation.

Israeli moves in Socotra have been escalating recently with the establishment of military bases with the aim of controlling maritime routes connecting the Red Sea with the Arab Sea, as well towards the Indian Ocean.

E.M