ADEN, Yemen, Jan. 5 (Xinhua) -- Hundreds of foreign tourists remain stranded on Yemen's island province of Socotra after flights to and from the archipelago were suspended amid rising tensions and clashes on the mainland, a local security official said on Monday.
The official, from the Southern Transitional Council (STC) controlling the island, told Xinhua on condition of anonymity that nearly 500 tourists of various nationalities were unable to leave after air traffic was grounded.
"The halt in flights has left a large number of tourists in an uncertain situation," the official said, adding that most had arrived during the peak tourist season.
Tourists are growing increasingly frustrated due to the lack of any official announcement on when flights may resume or what arrangements are being made for those affected, the official said.
Some are facing logistical difficulties, including extending accommodation, securing basic services and coping with rising costs on the island.
"There is increasing pressure on local authorities and Saudi military officials on the island to act quickly and provide urgent solutions," he added.
Socotra, a strategically located Yemeni archipelago in the Arabian Sea, is known for its unique biodiversity and pristine landscapes.
Tourism operations on the island have largely been run by foreign companies, many linked to the United Arab Emirates in recent years, according to local sources.
Uncertainty on Socotra has deepened following last month's decision by Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council to cancel a joint defence agreement with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and order the withdrawal of its forces within 24 hours, as well as an end to support for separatist groups. Most of the stranded tourists arrived via the UAE, which previously exerted influence over the island before handing control to Saudi Arabia.
On Friday, the UAE's defence ministry said it had completed the withdrawal of all its armed forces from Yemen. ■
