Why in news?
Flights suspended and around 400–600 tourists are stranded on the island after air traffic was halted because of escalating clashes on Yemen’s mainland and a Saudi–UAE power struggle that led to Emirati troop withdrawal and loss of control over Socotra’s airport.
About Socotra Island
- Location: About 350 km (200 miles) off Yemen’s coast, between the Gulf of Aden and Arabian Sea
- Size: ~3,796 km² (1,466 sq mi)
- Capital: Hadibu (population ~8,500)
- Population: Around 60,000, mostly Soqotri people
- Topography: Hajhir Mountains, highest peak Mashanig at 1,503 m
Unique Biodiversity
Socotra is often called the “Galápagos of the Indian Ocean” because of its endemic species:
- Dragon’s Blood Tree (Dracaena cinnabari): Umbrella-shaped, produces red resin.
- Desert Rose (Adenium obesum socotranum): Bottle-shaped trunk, striking pink flowers.
- Socotra Starling, Socotra Sunbird, and other endemic birds.
- Over one-third of its plant species are found nowhere else on Earth.
Key Reasons Behind the Saudi–UAE Rift in Yemen
1. Divergent Allies
- Saudi Arabia: Supports the internationally recognized Yemeni government led by the Presidential Leadership Council, aiming to preserve Yemen’s territorial unity.
- UAE: Backs the Southern Transitional Council (STC), a separatist group pushing for an independent South Yemen, especially around Aden and Mukalla.
2. Strategic Geography
- Yemen’s southern ports (Aden, Mukalla) are vital for trade and military logistics.
- Saudi Arabia fears losing influence if the UAE-backed STC dominates these areas, undermining Riyadh’s leverage over maritime routes.
3. Ideological & Historical Divisions
- Yemen has a long history of north–south divisions. The UAE exploits southern separatist sentiment, while Saudi Arabia insists on unity to prevent further fragmentation.
- This ideological clash fuels direct military confrontations.
4. Regional Power Struggle
- Both nations initially intervened together in 2015 to counter Iran-backed Houthis.
- Now, their rivalry reflects a broader Gulf competition: Saudi Arabia seeks dominance as the region’s leader, while the UAE pursues independent influence in West Asia.
5. Economic & Security Interests
- Oil and trade routes: Control of southern Yemen secures access to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a chokepoint for global shipping.
- Military presence: The UAE has invested in southern militias and bases, while Saudi Arabia relies on airstrikes and government forces.
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