Saudi Pressure to Force the UAE Out of Socotra: An Unprecedented Escalation Exposes Cracks in the Alliance on the Yemeni Island

NYN | Reports and Analyses 

Socotra Island, along with other Yemeni areas, is witnessing a notable escalation in tensions between Saudi and Emirati forces, signaling a clear complication in relations within the coalition after years of military and political cooperation in Yemen.

This escalation comes amid the continued Emirati presence in the Yemeni archipelago and Abu Dhabi’s refusal to comply with decisions issued by the head of the Presidential Council, with Saudi backing, calling for an end to the Emirati military presence in Yemen—despite the UAE’s earlier announcement of withdrawing its so-called “counterterrorism” forces from the country.

Extensive Emirati Influence on the Island

For years, the UAE has consolidated its influence in Socotra through political and security arrangements, most notably the appointment of a governor affiliated with the Emirati-backed Southern Transitional Council. This has been accompanied by control over vital sites and facilities, including fuel stations, electricity generation, and strategic ports, as well as dominance over key sectors of commercial activity on the island.

Mysterious Ships Ignite the Dispute

According to field monitoring, this influence has recently evolved into what were described as provocative steps, represented by the arrival of Emirati ships at Socotra Port carrying cargoes described as “mysterious.” Saudi forces were reportedly denied the right to inspect these shipments before their cargo was forcibly unloaded by elements affiliated with the Southern Transitional Council.

This move was considered a clear violation of decisions issued by the Presidential Council, prompting Riyadh to raise the level of pressure on Abu Dhabi on the island.

A Saudi Deadline and Ending the Military Presence

Circulating field reports indicate that Saudi Arabia has shown clear determination to enforce the implementation of Presidential Council decisions, including ending the Emirati military presence across all Yemeni territory, granting a deadline of no more than 24 hours for compliance.

This development reflects a new phase of tension within the coalition, particularly in strategically important areas—foremost among them the Socotra Archipelago—which has become an open arena for the intersection of regional interests.