Tourists stranded on Yemeni island amid simmering mainland tensions

Yemen’s Socotra Island Stranded with Hundreds of Tourists Due to Conflict

A Saudi-backed government force has ousted secessionists from the southern region of Hadramout, leading to a resumption of operations at ports and airports on the island. The conflict has resulted in flights being suspended, leaving hundreds of tourists stranded.

The Socotra islands, located 380km south of the mainland, have been under the control of the United Arab Emirates-backed Southern Transitional Council. However, clashes between rival armed factions have led to a restriction on flights in and out of Yemen.

According to local officials, more than 400 foreign tourists are currently stranded on the island, including nationals from Russia, Britain, France, Poland, China, and others. The situation has been exacerbated by an ongoing armed conflict that has been ongoing for years.

The airport in Aden, which had been disrupted for several days, has now resumed operations. Yemen’s governor of Hadramout, Salem al-Khanbashi, has stated that ports and airports will soon be operational, with a focus on restoring security and stability to the region.

Al-Khanbashi has pledged to meet with political and tribal groups to form a united front against future attacks, while also extending compensation for damage caused during the conflict. The authorities are currently working to restore essential services such as electricity, water, and health services.

The situation on Socotra Island is being closely monitored by foreign embassies, which have reached out to the Saudi and Yemeni governments to seek assistance with evacuations.

Source: Al Jazeera