ALBAWABA- In a significant revelation, a US defense official confirms the existence of a military presence on Yemen's Socotra Island, marking the first admission of its kind, as reported by Sky News Arabia.
The island, situated in the Indian Ocean, is currently controlled by the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council and Saudi Elite forces, with no authority from Yemen's internationally recognized government.
Speaking to Sky News Arabia, the American defense official disclosed the purpose behind bolstering missile defenses on Socotra Island, citing the need to intercept potential long-range missile attacks by the Houthi rebels.
Emphasizing proactive measures, the American official stated that preparations on Socotra were aimed at thwarting any potential attacks on American bases in the region.
Moreover, the official highlighted restrictions imposed by Saudi Arabia on the use of American forces within its territory and airspace.
While American fighter planes are permitted to refuel only at designated military base airports in the Kingdom, the deployment of American missile defense systems in Saudi Arabia is explicitly prohibited from being employed against the Houthis.
These revelations illuminate the broader regional dynamics, particularly with the Houthi rebels expanding their operations beyond the Red and Arab Seas to target vessels bound for Israel in the Indian Ocean and Cape of Good Hope in support of the besieged Palestinian population in Gaza.
Against this backdrop, Socotra Island's strategic significance in the Yemeni conflict becomes even more pronounced.
This disclosure adds complexity to an already tense situation, intensifying the pressure in the region.
