A new airfield is rapidly taking shape on the Yemeni island of Abd al-Kuri, a strategically positioned landmass near vital shipping lanes at the mouth of the Gulf of Aden, according to analysis of satellite imagery by both the Associated Press (AP) and The Maritime Executive. This development comes amid escalating conflict in the region, with Houthi rebels continuing their attacks on ships in the crucial Mideast waterways. The construction, which has not been publicly claimed by any nation, raises significant questions about its purpose and potential impact on regional power dynamics.
Source: Sentinel-2
The story broke thanks to detailed analysis of satellite images. According to the Associated Press, images from Planet Labs reveal the construction of the airstrip and what appears to be a message spelled out in dirt next to the runway: “I LOVE UAE”, an abbreviation for the United Arab Emirates. The Maritime Executive corroborated the ongoing construction with images from Sentinel-2, showing the airfield’s progress and the addition of distance markers and piano keys at the southern end. Work on the airfield began as far back as 2021, but has accelerated in recent weeks. The AP reported that initial construction efforts in 2022 carved out a shorter, diagonal runway, with the current longer runway construction beginning in July 2022 before halting, and then restarting.
Abd al-Kuri’s location is of significant strategic importance. Situated near the mouth of the Gulf of Aden, it is at the entrance to crucial shipping lanes. The Maritime Executive noted that the airfield will dominate the shipping channels through the Gulf of Aden to the Strait of Bab El Mandeb, allowing any operator to maintain continuous presence or a quick response capability to mount tactical missions. The 2400 metre runway can accommodate attack, surveillance, and transport aircraft, and even some of the heaviest bombers, according to both sources, presenting a concerning projection of air power in the region.
The presence of the “I LOVE UAE” message suggests a possible involvement of the United Arab Emirates. The UAE has a known history of military presence in the Socotra island chain, of which Abd al-Kuri is a part. However, in response to questions from the AP, the UAE stated that “any presence of the UAE on Socotra island is based on humanitarian grounds that is carried out in cooperation with the Yemeni government and local authorities,” and did not elaborate further. Neither the Yemeni Embassy in Washington nor Saudi Arabia, which leads a coalition fighting the Houthis, have responded to questions. The U.S. military, meanwhile, has denied any involvement in the construction on Abd al-Kuri or any military presence in Yemen.
Further analysis from the sources points to significant construction efforts. A crushing plant has been operating three miles to the southwest, with trucks transporting aggregate to build foundations capable of bearing the weight of large aircraft. A barracks with ten new block houses has been built at Khaysat Saleh, four miles to the west of the airfield, with evidence of heavy recent use of the road between the barracks and the airfield. Additionally, a new jetty appears to have been built on the beach at Kilmia, facing south, better protected from Houthi drone attacks than a previously used jetty on the northern coast. A utility site has also been established on a 100-meter hill to the west of the airfield, potentially serving as a radio antenna, water pumping site, or for communication purposes; the AP noted that it also attracted unusual satellite imaging attention in October, possibly related to rumors it was serving as an intelligence collection station.
The airfield’s construction occurs amidst a broader regional conflict, with the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea becoming a battleground between the Houthis and U.S.-led forces. The Maritime Executive noted that the airfield’s appearance comes as Israel broadens its attacks on the Houthis, and some commentators have even urged a complete blockade on Houthi-controlled Yemen. The Houthis have attacked ships since October 2023, claiming it is to pressure Israel to end its offensive in Gaza. However, the ships targeted have had little to no connection to Israel, the U.S. or other nations involved in the war. This airfield’s emergence, therefore, adds another layer of complexity to an already volatile situation. The AP also reported on a similar mysterious airstrip on Mayun Island in 2021, also allegedly built by the UAE, that sits in the narrow Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
The purpose and ownership of the Abd al-Kuri airstrip remain shrouded in uncertainty. It could serve as a base for military operations, a diversionary airfield in emergencies, or for other purposes that will become clearer once flight operations begin. Regardless, the rapid pace of construction and the strategic location of this airfield suggests that it is a development worth keeping a close eye on.
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