- Satellite Imagery Reveals Large Transport Aircraft Presence.
- Frequent Airfield Activity Suggests Ongoing Operations.
- Iranian Arms Shipments to Houthis Resume.
The airfield on Yemen’s Abd Al Kuri in the Socotra Archipelago now appears to be fully operational. On February 16, Sentinel 2 satellite imagery revealed a large transport plane on the northern end of the runway. From the available resolution, its configuration and wingspan indicate compatibility with a C-17 transport plane, reports The Maritime Executive.
Runway Construction and Load-Bearing Capacity
The earlier incomplete northern part of the runway has been finished in concrete and painted white runway lines similar to the rest of the runway. The concrete build-up at this part is probably meant to accommodate the weight of heavy aircraft such as the C-17 during landing impact.
Extending the whole runway with the same load-carrying capacity in concrete would have been logistically difficult because of the island’s absence of construction facilities, raw materials, and water supply.
Frequent Airfield Activity
Over the past few weeks, a smaller plane with a wingspan of less than 25 meters has been a frequent visitor, stopping on the apron for a short while. However, its permanent location and operational logistics are not known.
With the new infrastructure, a garrison might be necessary for protection, which in turn will necessitate periodic resupply missions.
Resumption of Iranian Arms Shipments
Iranian weapons supplies to the Houthis via sea lanes north of Abd Al Kuri appear to have resumed if they ever ceased.
January 28: The U.S. Coast Guard cutter USCGC Clarence Sutphin Jr (WPC 1147) intercepted a dhow in the Arabian Sea carrying ballistic missile and unmanned sea drone components, as well as military-grade communication systems, anti-tank missile launcher assemblies, and network equipment. Analysis indicates the cargo was intended for the Houthis.
February 12: The Yemeni Coast Guard intercepted a vessel carrying a 40-foot container destined for Hodeidah. The cargo included:
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- Cruise missile fuselages and jet engines for cruise and suicide drones
- Reconnaissance drones
- Marine radar systems
- A modern electronic warfare jamming system
- An advanced wireless communications system
Possible Role of Abd Al Kuri in Intel Gathering
Wherever reconnaissance activity is being launched from Abd Al Kuri, it could go a long way in intercepting and identifying the future arms imports to the Houthis.
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Source: The Maritime Executive
