The Australian government is stepping in to assist its citizens who have found themselves stranded on a remote desert island in Yemen.
These Australians are part of a larger group of international tourists who traveled to Socotra, an island in the Indian Ocean, only to find themselves caught in the midst of escalating tensions among regional powers.
A statement from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) confirmed that they are offering consular assistance to a few Australians currently in Yemen. “Due to our privacy obligations, we cannot provide further comment,” a DFAT spokesperson mentioned today.
Approximately 400 international tourists have seen their travel plans disrupted after Yemeni authorities declared a state of emergency on Socotra, leading to the closure of all entry points, including the island’s airport, according to reports.
Socotra, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is renowned for its unique Dragon Blood tree. This natural wonder has drawn adventure tourists and social media influencers alike, eager to experience its dramatic cliffs, rare wildlife, and untouched white sand beaches.
The island is a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to the rare Dragon Blood tree. It has become a magnet for adventure tourists and social media influencers attracted by its stunning cliffs, rare fauna and pristine white sand beaches.
Yemen has been mired for more than a decade in a civil war that involves a complex interplay of sectarian grievances and the involvement of regional powers.
The Iran-aligned Houthis control the most populous regions of the country, including the capital Sanaa. Meanwhile, a loose regional coalition of powers – including Saudi Arabia and the UAE – has backed the internationally recognised government in the south.
Its distance from the mainland has shielded Socotra from the worst of Yemen’s long-running conflict. But regional tensions that last week culminated in Saudi strikes on a UAE-linked shipment in Yemen have now had an impact.
Flights are expected to restart this week, but it is still unclear when.
DFAT advises Australians against travelling to Socotra due to ongoing armed conflict and a very high threat of kidnapping and terrorism. There are also military operations against Houthi targets in the Red Sea.
Australia, like many other Western nations, does not have an embassy or consulate in Yemen.
Officials at the Australian embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, are unable to provide emergency help to citizens in Yemen.
