🇦🇪🇾🇪 The construction of the UAE air base on Abd al Kuri is complete, & the airport is expected to be operational within a few weeks. With support from the US & Israel, the UAE is also building other military and intelligence facilities on the island.
Abd al Kuri Island is part of the Socotra archipelago, spanning approximately 133 km2. In recent years, the UAE has occupied the island and forcibly relocated its residents to Socotra Island and other areas of Yemen in February 2023.
Operating military aircraft from this island could significantly enhance the UAE’s control over the Gulf of Aden, the Bab al-Mandab Strait, and maritime traffic from the coast of Yemen to the Guardafui Channel in the Horn of Africa.
📎 ISW
Abd al Kuri Island is part of the Socotra archipelago, spanning approximately 133 km2. In recent years, the UAE has occupied the island and forcibly relocated its residents to Socotra Island and other areas of Yemen in February 2023.
Operating military aircraft from this island could significantly enhance the UAE’s control over the Gulf of Aden, the Bab al-Mandab Strait, and maritime traffic from the coast of Yemen to the Guardafui Channel in the Horn of Africa.
📎 ISW