From reopening embassies to arms sales and now Israeli and UAE spy bases in Socotra Island of Yemen, the Abraham Accord came with a number of clauses that have been unacceptable on different fronts. A moment became historic, when a few days back the Foreign Minister of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Abdullah bin Zayed signed a deal in the United States to normalize its relations with the Israel.
Where the three powerful nations are portraying a peaceful image of the pact, the collaborated work-of-art was concealed several aspects that are real eye-openers. In addition to bringing fears of crushing Palestine, the agreement has also entered the war-torn nation Yemen, with intentions that sail in two ships together.
In June 2020, the Southern Transitional Council (STC), a Yemeni separatist movement backed by the UAE, seized Island of Socotra’s capital city Hadiboh. Known as the “Jewel of the Gulf of Aden”, the archipelago is a UNESCO World Heritage site for its unique flora and fauna, dragon blood trees, and white beaches.
However, the beauty of island was tarnished by the UAE, which was captivated by its strategic location and is allegedly attempting to separate it from Yemen and establish military bases there. A further deterioration can be expected, as an alleged collaboration could lead to an establishment of Israeli and UAE spy bases in Socotra.
Reports suggested that the UAE and Israel have already paved their way to establish a secret spy station on Socotra, which is located nearly 350 kilometers south of Yemen in the Arabian Sea. Reports emerged earlier this month, highlighting that a delegation of Israeli and UAE officers paid a visit to Island of Socotra, in order to examine multiple locations for setting up the planned intelligence base.
It has been conjectured that the Israeli-UAE spy bases in Socotra were being established with a purpose of collecting intelligence from across the region. Besides, a report also alleged that the Israeli surveillance would be monitoring the actions of Houthis in Yemen and Iranian naval movements in the region, along with inspecting the sea and air traffic in the south of Red Sea.
Reports have also revealed that two sites on the UAE-captured Island of Socotra have already been selected for spy bases. One in the east of the island, Momi region, for establishing the Jamgua Center, and the other on the west to build the Katanan Center.
In the accord signed, both the UAE and Israel have looked for personal benefits. However, the Emirates has most likely failed in analyzing that the growing relations would allow Tel Aviv to establish a strong foothold in the Arab region, especially after granting the access to Socotra.
The reports of Israeli-UAE spy bases in Island of Socotra have raised concerns that it would disrupt the global balance of power like never before, as the archipelago might come under a complete control of Israel. Moreover, while Yemen remains destructed, the intervention of Tel Aviv could bring unforeseen, severe misfortunes in the war-torn nation.
