Mysterious Airstrip Emerges on Yemeni Island Amid Houthi Conflict and Rising Tensions - PRESS AI WORLD
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Mysterious Airstrip Emerges on Yemeni Island Amid Houthi Conflict and Rising Tensions

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Mysterious Airstrip Emerges on Yemeni Island Amid Houthi Conflict and Rising Tensions

Credited from: APNEWS

  • A mysterious airstrip is nearing completion on Abd al-Kuri Island, Yemen, possibly built by the UAE.
  • The airstrip could enhance military operations in the Gulf of Aden, amidst ongoing Houthi attacks.
  • Experts warn that the Houthis may not halt their aggression, even with a ceasefire in Gaza.
  • The newly created airstrip is strategically important for monitoring shipping routes in the Indian Ocean.
  • The UAE claims its presence in the region is focused on humanitarian efforts.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — A mysterious airstrip is nearing completion on the remote Abd al-Kuri Island in Yemen, as evidenced by satellite photos analyzed by the Associated Press. This development is particularly concerning given the confirmed military ties between the UAE and Saudi-led efforts against the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels. The airstrip, emerging amidst the ongoing war in Yemen, may become a crucial landing zone for military operations, particularly due to the strategic location of the island near the Gulf of Aden, a vital route for international shipping. Notably, the commercial traffic in these waters is reportedly halved due to recent Houthi attacks on maritime vessels.

Built likely by the United Arab Emirates, which has historically sought to expand its military footprint in the region, the airstrip also stands as a response to ongoing conflict scenarios. The Houthis have recently leveraged the conflicts in Gaza to gain global attention, prompting concerns among experts who express doubt that a ceasefire in Gaza would sufficiently deter Houthi aggression. Senior fellow Wolf-Christian Paes remarks, “The Houthis feed off war — war is good for them,” echoing sentiments among analysts that the rebels see themselves in an ongoing conflict against their enemies.

Notably, satellite imagery captured on January 7 displayed considerable construction on the north-south oriented runway, inclusive of recently laid asphalt and the designation markings “18” and “36.” Currently, only a small segment of the 2.4-kilometer runway remains unfinished, but its completion would enable private jets and smaller aircraft to land. However, the facility is deemed too short for larger commercial flights or heavy bombers. Experts, like Mohammed al-Basha of the Basha Report, noted the geographical distance of Abd al-Kuri from Yemen mainland minimizes the Houthi threat to seize the airstrip.

Despite its apparent military purpose, the United Nations’ International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has no record of the airstrip, indicating a troubling lack of transparency in Yemen's aviation infrastructure. This airstrip joins several other military expansions in the region, including those in Mocha and Dhubab, that also appear tied to UAE interests aimed at enhancing military and logistical operations.

Historically, Abd al-Kuri is part of the strategically significant Socotra Archipelago, previously utilized by Soviet forces during the Cold War for its advantageous maritime position. Today, the island is overseen by Yemen’s Southern Transitional Council, backed by the UAE, which advocates for the secession of southern Yemen. This shift in territorial governance has fueled tensions within Yemen and further complicated international diplomatic efforts.

Complicating the narrative, the UAE maintains that its actions in the region are motivated by humanitarian concerns intended to aid the Yemeni populace. Yet, this airstrip's construction has led to accusations of colonial intentions from the Houthis, who have characterized the UAE's military presence as a significant violation of Yemen's sovereignty. The Houthi-controlled SABA news agency declared in November that these developments represented a peril to the national autonomy of Yemen and surrounding nations.

Consequently, with growing fears about potential escalations in conflict—whether involving the Houthis attacking Israel, U.S. warships, or rekindling broader regional tensions—the strategic importance of this airstrip cannot be overstated. The situation remains precarious, as the international community seeks to navigate the complex layers of conflict in Yemen and across the Middle East. Furthermore, any upcoming international action may provoke significant consequences for all actors involved.

For more in-depth information on this and related issues, visit AP News and The Independent.

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