In a rare statement, a senior US Defense Department official confirmed on Wednesday that there is a US military presence on the Yemeni island of Socotra.
This island, located in the Indian Ocean, is currently controlled by the Transitional Council of South Yemen, supported by the United Arab Emirates and Saudi special forces, and the official government of Yemen, recognized by the international community, has no control over this island.
The island of Socotra enjoys a strategic location overlooking international trade routes in the Indian Ocean, the Arabian Sea and the Red Sea.
In an interview with the Arab Sky News channel, an official of the US Department of Defense stated that the purpose of strengthening the missile defenses on the island of Socotra is to intercept long-range missile attacks by the Houthi rebels.
Emphasizing preventive measures, this American official stated that the preparations in Socotra were designed to neutralize any possible attack on American bases in the area.
In addition, this senior official pointed to the restrictions imposed by Saudi Arabia on the use of American forces in its territory and airspace.
While American warplanes are only allowed to refuel at designated airfields of a military base in Saudi Arabia, Saudi Arabia has banned the deployment of American missile defense systems to operate against the Houthis from its soil. (Credit Radio Farda)
In the past, news was published about an Israeli military presence on the island of Socotra.
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