Satellite images show that Emirati ships continue to use Yemeni ports to transport military equipment to the south of the country.
Al-Jazeera television reported today (Saturday) that the Emirati cargo ship Naima is traveling between the UAE and several Yemeni ports, including Al-Mukalla, Al-Mukha, and Miyoun Island, based on satellite images.
Satellite data show that the Emirati cargo ship sailed first to the port of Al-Mukalla on June 7 and then to the island of Mayon, and unloaded military equipment on the island on Thursday evening.
An official source in the Saudi coalition recently denied reports that Emirati forces were present in the Yemeni islands of Socotra and Muon, claiming that the equipment on Muon Island belonged to the coalition leadership.
The Associated Press, meanwhile, has revealed that a mysterious airbase is being built on Muon Island in the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
Satellite images show a 1.85-kilometer-long runway as well as three hangars on the island, the agency said.
The Associated Press quoted Yemeni government officials as saying that the UAE was involved in building the base despite announcing the withdrawal of its forces from Yemen.
In addition to Muon, the UAE is also accused of trying to control the island of Socotra off the southern coast of Yemen.
On August 28, the US website Southfront, military and strategic research expert stated that the UAE and Israel intended to build military and intelligence facilities in the archipelago of Socotra.
The UAE announced in 2019 that most of its troops would withdraw from Yemen, but its influence continues in southern Yemen, providing weapons and military training to forces affiliated with the ousted government of Mansour Hadi in Aden.
Hundreds of UAE-affiliated forces arrived in Socotra during the coalition war against Yemen after receiving military training at UAE-controlled bases in Aden. The country is trying to take control of strategic and vital facilities in the port of Socotra.
