Fri Jan 17 06:25:46 UTC 2025: ## Secret Airstrip Nears Completion on Yemeni Island, Raising Tensions
**Dubai, January 17, 2025** – Satellite imagery reveals a nearly completed airstrip on Yemen’s remote Abd al-Kuri Island, sparking concerns of escalating conflict in the war-torn nation. The airstrip, believed to be constructed by the United Arab Emirates (UAE), could serve as a strategic military base, potentially impacting the already volatile region.
The runway’s location near the Gulf of Aden, a crucial shipping route, and its proximity to ongoing conflicts involving the Houthi rebels, Iran, and Israel raises significant geopolitical concerns. The airstrip’s potential use in counter-Houthi operations, including interdicting weapons smuggling from Iran, is a key factor. While the Houthis have recently pledged to halt attacks if a Gaza ceasefire is reached, experts remain skeptical of lasting peace.
The UAE, while claiming the project is for humanitarian aid, has been accused of expanding its military footprint in the region. The airstrip’s markings and the presence of “I LOVE UAE” spelled out in dirt nearby further fuel this suspicion. The UN’s International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has no record of the airfield, despite its apparent near-completion.
The construction comes amidst heightened tensions, with the Houthis continuing attacks on Israel and US warships. Experts warn that a miscalculation by any party involved could easily reignite widespread conflict. The incoming Trump administration’s approach to the conflict remains uncertain, adding another layer of uncertainty. The possibility of the US re-designating the Houthis as a foreign terrorist organization, a move supported by the UAE, could further escalate the situation.
The airstrip’s construction on Abd al-Kuri, a strategically important island previously used by the Soviet navy, adds to the complex geopolitical landscape of the region. The island’s current governance by the Southern Transitional Council, a group supported by the UAE, further complicates the situation. The completed airstrip, capable of accommodating private jets, raises concerns about potential surveillance operations and a heightened military presence, potentially impacting ongoing efforts to establish peace in Yemen.
First Piper 