NYN | News
The United States and its allies continue to expand their military influence in the Red Sea by establishing military airfields on strategic Yemeni islands, putting the region at the brink of a military eruption that could engulf it at any moment.
Recent satellite images have revealed the operational readiness of what is described as the “mysterious airport” on Abd al-Kuri Island, part of Yemen’s Socotra Archipelago, according to an analysis published by the “Maritime” platform, which specializes in maritime and security affairs.
The images show a large military transport aircraft parked at the northern end of the airport’s runway, while a small aircraft—believed to be a helicopter—has made frequent visits to the site in recent weeks, with its identity and supporting entity remaining undisclosed.
The report noted that the images were taken over the past few months, revealing significant development in the airport’s infrastructure, located in a strategic position near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, one of the busiest maritime passages in the world. According to “Maritime,” the large aircraft spotted by the satellites resembles the C-17 military transport planes, known for their use in logistics operations or troop deployments, while the data shows the small aircraft making frequent movements to and from the airport, pausing briefly before disappearing from radar. This raises questions about the nature of its missions and the permanent base it may be operating from. Abd al-Kuri Island is of particular importance due to its location overseeing international shipping routes, making it a vital monitoring point in any potential conflict. The mysterious aerial activity comes at a time of increased international military presence in Yemen, especially with the possibility of renewed conflict between the U.S.-led coalition and the Houthi group (Ansar Allah), due to their support for Palestinian resistance in the Gaza Strip. Security analysts have commented that the airport could serve as a platform for covert intelligence or military operations against both Sana’a and Beijing.
