Approximately 400 tourists are stranded on the Yemeni island of Socotra after flights were suspended due to escalating clashes on the mainland. The disruption stems from intense fighting between government troops, supported by Saudi Arabia, and secessionist forces with ties to the United Arab Emirates.

The Socotra archipelago, located 380 kilometers (236 miles) south of mainland Yemen and 80 kilometers west of the Horn of Africa, has remained relatively isolated from the conflict. However, the restrictions on air travel, implemented over the past few days due to the heavy fighting near the southern port city of Aden, have directly impacted the island's accessibility.

Socotra is under the control of the United Arab Emirates-backed Southern Transitional Council. This group seeks independence for southern Yemen. The broader conflict involves a complex web of factions loosely aligned under Yemen's fractured government.

The grounding of flights highlights the precarious security situation in Yemen and the ripple effects on even its most remote territories. While Socotra is known for its unique biodiversity and ecotourism, the island's dependence on air travel for supplies and tourism makes it vulnerable to disruptions caused by mainland instability.

The exact timeline for the resumption of flights remains uncertain. The situation is contingent on a de-escalation of violence on the mainland and the re-establishment of safe air corridors. Authorities are reportedly working to find alternative means of transportation for the stranded tourists, but logistical challenges pose a significant hurdle. The incident underscores the vulnerability of tourism in conflict zones and the potential for unforeseen disruptions.