Tourists stranded on Socotra after troops withdraw

About 600 tourists were reported stranded on the Yemeni island of Socotra after the UAE withdrew troops and air traffic halted; some governments said airlines would resume flights to repatriate citizens.

About 600 tourists are reported to be stranded on the island of Socotra after the United Arab Emirates withdrew its troops, media outlets reported. Flights were halted when control of the island's airport changed amid rising political tensions between the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Socotra lies about 186 miles south of Yemen's coast and is known for its distinctive dragon blood trees. Known details: - Reported number affected: roughly 600 tourists were left on Socotra after the UAE troop withdrawal. - Cause: flights stopped after control of the island's airport changed during growing political tensions between the UAE and Saudi Arabia. - Government updates: Poland's foreign ministry reported the airspace was closed and announced that airlines would resume flights to return Polish tourists. - Travel advisory: the U.S. State Department had reissued a Level 4 "Do Not Travel" advisory for Yemen on Dec. 19 and stated the U.S. government cannot assist U.S. citizens in Socotra. Summary: The troop withdrawal and subsequent change in airport control led to suspended flights and many tourists remaining on Socotra. Some national authorities have reported plans for airlines to resume flights to repatriate their citizens, while broader arrangements for all stranded visitors were not detailed. Undetermined at this time.