Yemen's Socotra rejects US presence amid airstrip construction news

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies + Al Mayadeen English
28 Mar 2024 15:15

The Yemeni Socotra Island's residents vehemently oppose US presence, reject Israeli air defenses, and assert their sovereignty amid escalating tensions.

This satellite photo captured by Planet Labs PBC shows the construction of an airstrip on Abd al-Kuri Island, Yemen, with the words "I love UAE" spelled out, Tuesday, March 26, 2024. (AP)

Elders and dignitaries in Socotra, an island of Yemen, inked a statement confirming the presence of US and Israeli plots on the Island, in light of information revealed by satellite images of the Abd al-Kuri island.

According to the satellite images, an airstrip is being constructed on the Island near the entrance to the Red Sea, an action which marks a significant development given the geostrategic importance of the region vis-a-vis the regional escalation triggered by the Israeli genocide in the Gaza Strip.

The images also show an "I LOVE UAE" phrase, formed with piles of dirt. However, the involvement of the United Arab Emirates as a camouflage was quickly revealed when the statement by the people of Socotra noted, "We affirm that the unjustified presence of American forces constitutes a complete occupation and a flagrant violation of Yemen's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and we demand their immediate departure."

"With our voices raised in anger and condemnation, we declare our strong rejection of the American presence on the island and denounce the installation of Israeli-American air defenses in the archipelago," the statement added.

Socotra refuses to be a first line of defense for 'Israel'

Stressing that Socotra is uninvolved in the Red Sea and Gulf conflict, the statement declared, "We will not be involved in protecting Israel," adding that "As natives of this island, we adhere to our national rights and sovereignty, and we will not stand with any party that pursues foreign agendas threatening the safety and security of the islanders."

أبناء سقطرى يقلبون الطاولة على الإمارات ويدعون إلى رحيل القوات الأمريكية فوراً

مشائخ وشخصيات ووجهاء سقطرى يصدرون بيان شديد اللهجة، يرفضون تواجد أي قواعد عسكرية أجنبية في الجزيرة pic.twitter.com/cJRlJJmqfF
— محمد بن روضان 🇾🇪✌️🇵🇸 (@mo_rawd_ye) March 28, 2024

Moreover, all foreign military presence on the Island is rejected by the people and deemed "a complete occupation violating sovereignty and independence."

The statement reaffirmed that the Island must be spared from the "American-British-Zionist escalation in the region" and reaffirmed the people of Socotra's "unequivocal rejection of the genocidal crimes and brutal massacres endured by our Palestinian brothers in the Gaza Strip."

Furthermore, the people, through the statement, clarified their religious duty to oppose "Israel" and reject the geopolitical position they are being forced into through the building of the airstrip on their Island to counter Yemeni operations defending the Palestinian people and supporting its Resistance.

The statement read: "Our Islamic religion does not and will not allow us to be Israel’s first line of defense. Our religious commitment transcends political divisions and geopolitical considerations."

In conclusion, the statement warned, "of the repercussions of the American-British escalation that the region is witnessing in light of the Arab-Israeli conflict."

Yemeni Armed Forces targeted 2 US destroyers, 4 hostile ships

The Yemeni Armed Forces (YAF) conducted six military operations in 72 hours, the spokesperson for the YAF Brigadier General Yahya Saree stated on Tuesday.

These top-tier operations came in support of the Palestinian people and in commemoration of the 10th year of the resilience of the Yemeni people against the Saudi-led US-UK-backed aggression on the country.

The Yemeni Armed Forces' Navy and Missile Force conducted a series of joint operations totaling four in the Red Sea, the Arabian Sea, and the Gulf of Aden.

YAF targets vessels in Red Sea, Gulf of Aden
Naval and Missile forces targeted the US-owned and flagged MAERSK SARATOGA container ship in the Gulf of Aden. The last position received by maritime traffic monitoring websites was 3 days ago near the coast of Djibouti.

The YAF also targeted the US-owned APL DETRIOT container ship in the Red Sea. Moreover, the Yemeni forces targeted the UK-owned W HUANG PU in the Red Sea. In their last joint operation, the Naval and Missile forces targeted the PRETTY LADY bulk carrier, which was heading to Israeli-occupied ports in Palestine.

YAF target US destroyers in Red Sea
The Yemeni Unmanned Air Force conducted two large-scale and top-tier operations targeting two US destroyers in the Red Sea.

YAF target Israeli positions in 'Eilat'
On its part, the Yemeni Missile Force also conducted a number of operations targeting Israeli positions in occupied Um al-Rashrash whose land was usurped to build the southernmost coastal settlement of "Eilat" on the Red Sea.

Brigadier General Saree said that the operation successfully achieved their objectives.