Tensions escalate between Saudi, Emirati forces in Socotra amid port power struggle

SOCOTRA, Jan. 01 (YPA) – The Yemeni island of Socotra has entered a new phase of military tension following an escalating confrontation between Saudi and Emirati forces, signaling a widening rift between the two allies along Yemen’s eastern coast.

According to informed sources, Riyadh has reportedly issued an immediate ultimatum to Abu Dhabi to vacate the island’s strategic port—a move seen as a Saudi effort to curb Emirati influence at the junction of the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea.

Siege and Field Maneuvers

On the ground, UAE-backed factions responded with significant maneuvers, besieging the headquarters of Saudi military units near Socotra Airport. Simultaneously, other armed groups stormed the port of Hadibu. These developments followed a standoff in which Saudi forces refused to allow an Emirati cargo ship of “unknown tonnage” to dock without undergoing inspection—a demand rejected by Abu Dhabi, which views the island as a key strategic base.

Military Reinforcements and Future Outlook

Despite previous reports suggesting a potential Emirati withdrawal from Socotra, the recent arrival of fresh military reinforcements indicates Abu Dhabi’s determination to maintain its presence. This escalation places the island—globally renowned for its unique biodiversity—at the center of a strategic conflict, threatening to further destabilize one of the region’s most vital maritime outposts.

YPA