Socotra Under Siege: How a Stable Island Became a Victim of an Unjust Air Blockade

 

Socotra 

Socotra Under Siege: How a Stable Island Became a Victim of an Unjust Air Blockade

Socotra, long celebrated for its peace, stability, and unique natural beauty, is now facing an undeclared air blockade imposed without any international mandate or credible security justification.

What should have been a temporary technical measure has transformed into a serious humanitarian and economic crisis, capturing regional and international concern. The island’s residents, who have done nothing to warrant punishment, are now facing forced isolation and severe disruptions to their daily lives.

The closure of flights does not target any armed groups or military threats. Instead, it functions as collective punishment on the civilian population, with the most vulnerable — patients, students, and the elderly — among the first to suffer.

Socotra relies heavily on tourism as a primary source of income, and halting air travel has resulted in near-total economic paralysis. Thousands of families now face the risk of losing their livelihoods, and essential services such as healthcare, education, and basic commerce are being disrupted.

The lack of official explanation, transparency, or timeline for this blockade raises serious international questions and concerns about regional stability.

By turning a peaceful and stable island into a zone of enforced isolation, this measure sends a dangerous message: stability is not rewarded but penalized. Socotra, a model of peace and calm in a turbulent region, deserves openness, connectivity, and support, not silence, isolation, and an undeclared siege.