The island of Socotra witnessed widespread protests as residents demanded the withdrawal of UAE occupation forces and the militias of the so-called Southern Transitional Council (STC), which are aligned with Abu Dhabi.
Videos and photos shared by activists on social media on Sunday showed hundreds of Socotra residents demonstrating against the UAE’s presence and its associated forces. Protesters decried the UAE’s continued occupation of the strategic Yemeni island, located at the intersection of the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean.
Since the onset of aggression against Yemen in 2015, Abu Dhabi has imposed complete control over the Socotra archipelago, looting its natural resources, including plants, animals, and marine wealth. The UAE has also reportedly turned parts of the island into military bases and colonies to serve the interests of the United States, the United Kingdom, and Israel.
