UAE Expands Influence in Yemen’s Socotra: New Regional Escalation Front
The UAE’s involvement in the Socotra Archipelago marks a new regional escalation, as Abu Dhabi-backed militias assume command of the 1st Marine Infantry Brigade camp on the island.
According to consistent media accounts, militias backed by Abu Dhabi seized command of the 1st Marine Brigade camp on the island, detaining military leaders aligned with the government and the Presidential Council, supported by Riyadh.
This development sparked conflict between UAE-affiliated forces, headed by a military figure associated with the Abu Dhabi-backed Transitional Council, Mohsen Al-Hajj, and Saudi forces backing the Yemeni Presidential Council, positioned on the island.
The sources indicate that Brigadier General Ali Omar Kafayin, commander of the First Marine Brigade, has disappeared, and Socotri officers were prevented from entering the camp, as about 150 soldiers took control of the brigade.
The sources indicate that Brigadier General Ali Omar Kafayin, commander of the First Marine Brigade, has disappeared, and Socotri officers were prevented from entering the camp, as about 150 soldiers took control of the brigade.Military commanders accuse them of having been brought via Yemeni Airlines last Tuesday and that they are not citizens of the island.
Socotra, located in the Indian Ocean near the Gulf of Aden, is witnessing tensions between Saudi forces and Emirati forces alongside their separatist allies. This dynamic reflects the increasing competition between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi for power and control in different parts of Yemen.
A Yemeni security source reported that Socotra Island is witnessing tension and mobilization by the Emiratis and their local allies, to expel Saudi forces who have been on the island for 6 years.
The source reported that the Emiratis advised their allies, who are associated with the separatist Southern Transitional Council, to establish protest camps adjacent to the headquarters of the Saudi Duty Forces (808) in Hadibu city, the capital of Socotra.
The Yemeni source reported that Saudi forces overseeing operations at Socotra Airport recently obstructed an Emirati plane from landing. This action was taken in reaction to provocations by the Emiratis and their supporters, including the financial backing of camp setups near the entrance to the Saudi forces’ headquarters.
He continued that the incitement targeted the commander of the coalition forces, Commodore Munif Al-Mutairi, and accused him of tampering with the Saudi financial donation provided by King Salman bin Abdulaziz. For “buying the loyalties of the security and military leaders and Socotra tribal leaders.”
As indicated by the security source, the UAE has deployed armed factions of the Transitional Council militias from locations beyond the archipelago. Approximately 130 members of these militias have recently arrived in Socotra, posing a significant escalation risk and potentially exacerbating the military situation.
The source confirmed that the militants who arrived in Socotra were transferred to the headquarters of the 1st Marine Infantry Brigade of the Yemeni government army, amid rejection from the brigade’s units from the people of the island.
As stated by the security source, the UAE has introduced armed factions of the Transitional Council militias from external locations, with approximately 130 members newly arrived in Socotra. This development is seen as a concerning escalation, suggesting a potential military escalation.
The source further confirmed that these militants, upon their arrival in Socotra, were moved to the headquarters of the 1st Marine Infantry Brigade of the Yemeni government army, despite opposition from both the brigade’s units and the local inhabitants of the island.
The source indicated that tensions are high within the brigade, potentially signaling an imminent military clash between external groups and soldiers and officers native to Socotra.
He further mentioned that Emirati activities are widespread across Socotra, spanning various domains. Months ago, Emirati officers stationed on the island successfully took over the headquarters of the 3rd Battalion of the 1st Marine Brigade, situated adjacent to the airport. This was achieved through collaboration with military leaders and local authorities, under the leadership of the island’s mayor, Raafat Al-Thaqli, who is widely known for his unwavering loyalty to Abu Dhabi.
Since June 2020, the Southern Transitional Council, advocating for the southern region’s separation from the north, has gained authority over Socotra. This occurred following minor clashes with government forces, backed by Emirati troops stationed on the strategically positioned island off Yemen’s southern coast.
