Hundreds Stranded on Socotra After Flight Suspension

Hundreds of foreign tourists are stranded on the remote Yemeni island of Socotra after flights to and from the archipelago were suspended amid escalating tensions between regional powers, leaving visitors unable to depart following New Year's celebrations.

The disruptions began on December 30, when a state of emergency was declared on Socotra, halting all air traffic at the island's main airport. Local officials, including Yahya bin Afrar, deputy governor for culture and tourism, reported that more than 400 foreign nationals are affected, with one official specifying 416 people from various countries, including over 60 Russians, as well as British, French, American, Polish, Lithuanian, and Chinese citizens. The airport, previously under control of United Arab Emirates forces, saw its operations grind to a stop after the UAE withdrew its troops last week in response to a deadline set by Saudi Arabia. This move stemmed from diverging interests in Yemen's ongoing civil war, where the UAE has supported the Southern Transitional Council, a separatist group seeking autonomy for southern Yemen, while Saudi Arabia backs the internationally recognized Yemeni government.