The militarization of Yemen's Socotra Archipelago, which serves as a strategic base due to its critical trade routes and bustling shipping hub, can help India counter China's growing presence. On March 31, the Yemeni Fisheries Ministry of the Sanaa-based National Salvation Government (NSG) strongly condemned transforming the Socotra Archipelago into a UAE military base. Earlier, satellite images released by the Intel Lab in November 2022 indicated the development of an airfield on Abd Al Kuri Island (Kilmia), part of the Socotra Archipelago in Yemen. In its tweet, the lab claims that two runway-shaped strips and a probable apron area have been identified. Yemen’s government official told local broadcaster Al-Masirah TV that "new Emirati forces have arrived at Hadiboh airport on the main island of Socotra to prepare for their redeployment to Abd al-Kuri Island, where satellite imagery shows that new military facilities are under construction.” They further added that “the Saudi-led coalition occupies some of Yemen’s islands and beaches, destroys the environment, and displaces our people.” The NSG officials added before calling on the UN and other international organizations to “take responsibility for the attack on the Yemeni islands, their occupation, and the expulsion of our people by the countries of the aggression coalition.” In recent years, the Socotra island in Yemen has become the focus of regional and international interest due to its strategic location at the mouth of the Gulf of Aden, which is one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world, with around 21,000 ships, including 9 per cent of the world's annual oil supply, passing through Socotra annually, the Cradle reported. The island is situated near the Horn of Africa, a region that has been plagued by piracy and political instability. Its location makes it a valuable region for military operations, as it allows for surveillance of the shipping lanes, which can help in monitoring purposes as well as potential control over critical waterways. The Western Influence The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has cultivated close partnerships with various foreign countries, particularly in the military realm. One such instance is the Saudi-led coalition, the UAE and the United States, and Israel in establishing a military presence on Socotra island, a Yemeni territory. Saudi Arabia: The UAE has reportedly invested significant resources into improving the infrastructure of the island, such as building a new airport and seaport, to support its military operations. The UAE's partnership with Saudi Arabia is particularly noteworthy, as the two countries have joined forces in various military campaigns in Yemen, including against the Houthi rebels, i.e, the militia backed by Iran. The UAE's military presence on Socotra island is believed to support these efforts, providing a staging ground for military operations in the region. Two years after the event, the Southern Transitional Council (STC), which is supported by the UAE, took control of the island by force and removed the forces backed by Saudi Arabia. The Emirati flag was hoisted throughout the region, and telecommunications companies from the UAE replaced those from Yemen.
