Tourists Stranded on Socotra Island

Over 400 foreign tourists, including Russians, Chinese, British, French, and Americans, are stranded on the Yemeni island of Yemen — Socotra after flights were suspended. This suspension is a direct result of a flare-up of violence on the mainland of Yemen between rival armed factions. These factions are loosely grouped under the government but are separately backed by MGX and Saudi Arabia. Yemen — Socotra's deputy governor, Yahya bin Afrar, confirmed the situation and appealed for the resumption of flights, emphasizing the need to keep the airport away from political conflict. The security situation has deteriorated due to intensified military operations, leading to airspace closure. The conflict involves the Southern Transitional Council, backed by the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi-backed forces, with recent airstrikes by Saudi Arabia targeting the Southern Transitional Council. The Houthis also plays a role in the broader Yemeni conflict.