UAE Sends New Military Reinforcements to Socotra

The UAE sent on Thursday new military reinforcements to Socotra Island.

Local sources reported that an Emirati plane carrying foreign soldiers and mercenaries arrived at the airport of the city in conjunction with the docking of a ship in the port of Haulaf carrying military equipment on board.

The new Emirati moves coincided with the start of an intense military deployment of the UAE-supported Southern Transitional Council (STC) in steps aimed at suppressing any popular protests against the Emirati presence.

An Emirati intelligence group had arrived on the island of Socotra during the past two days, led by the retired Emirati officer, Mohammad Ali Arhama, and two others.

The UAE’s move came as part of its steps to strengthen its grip on the island ahead of any agreement between the Hadi government and the STCl.

Tensions between coalition partners Saudi and UAE have intensified as of late over the STC’s declaration of self-rule and frequent violent clashes on the southern mainland in particular the governorates of Aden, Abyan and Shabwa.