Arsonists set fire to a number of so-called dragon trees on the Yemeni island of Socotra, east of the Gulf of Aden, which is under the control of foreign forces.
Environmental activists confirmed that unknown individuals set fire to the “Firmihin” natural reserve in the Diksam area, causing several dragon trees as well as large areas of grass and plants in the reserve to burn.
Activists urged relevant organisations and local authorities aligned with Saudi-led coalition to intervene to protect the rare environmental resources of Socotra and preserve its components.
A video circulated by Socotra natives showed dragon’s blood trees, endemic specifically to the Socotra Archipelago, burning, strewn on the ground.
Activists on social media accused the Emirati forces of being behind the fire incident, considering it as an extension of the destruction policy they have been implementing against Socotra’s natural environment since 2017.
The UAE has transformed Socotra Island into a joint military base with the Zionist entity. They have established several maritime and aerial monitoring centers in various areas.
Additionally, the UAE has deployed an Israeli-made air defense system and sensor devices on Abdul Kuri Island, directing them towards the southern entrance of the Red Sea in Bab el Mandeb and the Horn of Africa following the normalisation agreement between the UAE and Israel in 2020.
