Yemen Monitor / Newsroom:
Saudi Arabia has launched an air relief bridge to the Socotra Archipelago in southeastern Yemen as part of its humanitarian efforts aimed at alleviating the suffering of residents and enhancing food security in the governorate, according to the official Yemeni News Agency.
The agency explained that the leadership of Force “808” for Support and Logistics carried out food aid distribution operations to needy families under the direct supervision of its command and in coordination with local authorities to ensure organized and fair delivery.
The aid arrived aboard aircraft operated by the air force of the Joint Forces of the Coalition to Support Legitimacy in Yemen, with flights set to continue for 10 days to ensure a steady flow of humanitarian supplies. The initiative comes as part of the Kingdom’s commitment to continue providing relief assistance.
On January 13, Socotra Archipelago Governor Raafat Al-Thaqali announced his welcome of the Yemeni government’s “National Shield” forces, expressing readiness to work under the supervision of the Presidential Leadership Council and the Saudi-led Coalition to Support Legitimacy, according to Yemeni media.
Sources in Socotra had previously indicated that the United Arab Emirates’ withdrawal from the archipelago coincided with measures including the removal of equipment and the suspension of certain forms of service support, creating a sudden gap that directly affected citizens’ daily lives.
The sources noted that Saudi efforts come in preparation to fill any vacuum resulting from the cessation of some previous support, alongside the launch of Saudi initiatives and the arrival of a relief aircraft to the island.
It is worth noting that in early December, military confrontations escalated between forces of the Southern Transitional Council on one side and government forces and the Coalition to Support Legitimacy on the other. Southern Transitional Council forces (which call for the secession of the south) temporarily took control of the governorates of Hadramawt and Al-Mahrah along the borders with Saudi Arabia and the Sultanate of Oman.
Subsequently, National Shield forces regained control of the two governorates with the support of the Saudi-led coalition, while authorities in Abyan, Shabwah, Lahj, and Socotra announced their welcome of the government forces and presidential decisions.
