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UAE Likely Behind Mysterious Airstrip on Abd al-Kuri Island, Raising Concerns Amid Houthi Threats

Jan 17, 2025, 09:54 AM

A mysterious airstrip on Abd al-Kuri Island in Yemen, near the Gulf of Aden, is nearing completion, according to satellite photos analyzed by The Associated Press. The 2.4-kilometer-long (1.5-mile) runway, likely constructed by the United Arab Emirates as part of its military operations, could serve as a strategic base for military operations in the region, which has been affected by Houthi rebel attacks. The airstrip's location is significant as it lies near key shipping lanes that have seen a reduction in commercial traffic due to the ongoing conflict. The UAE has been involved in the region, supporting the Saudi-led coalition against the Houthis, and has described its presence as humanitarian aid efforts in cooperation with Yemeni authorities. The construction of this airstrip raises concerns about the potential reignition of Yemen's stalemated war, amidst ongoing tensions and the threat of Houthi attacks on commercial shipping and military targets. A new airport on Abd al-Kuri could provide a secluded landing zone for surveillance flights around Socotra Island, vital to interdict weapons smuggling from Iran to the Houthis, who remain under a U.N. arms embargo.