At the request of the Yemeni government, the Sheikh of Socotra leaves it to Hadramout

The Yemeni government has asked the sheikhs of the archipelago of Socotra to leave the island in light of the tension between the Yemeni government forces and the forces of the Emirati-backed transitional council.

The media office of the Sheikh of Sheikh Socotra said that Sheikh Issa bin Yaqout left the Governorate of Socotra to Hadramout Governorate at the request of the government.

The statement added that Sheikh Yacout denounced the statement of the Emirati-backed transitional council, which accused it of financing armed demonstrations.

The statement affirmed the support of the Yemeni Shaykh and the local authority represented by the Governor Ramzi Mahrous with Socotra's sheikhs against what he described as the messengers.

The government's request for Sheikh Issa follows tensions in Socotra following attempts by the transitional council and its armed forces to control government institutions on the island.

Halting the escalation
On Friday, the Yemeni government called on the Saudi-Emirati coalition to confront the Southern Transitional Council, which promised to halt the escalation.

The Yemeni government indicated - during its meeting - the importance of resolutely addressing any attempts aimed at undermining the security and stability of the island and its residents, while supporting the measures taken by the local authority.

The government called on the international community and organizations - led by UNESCO - to stop what it described as sabotage actions that threaten Socotra, which is classified on the World Heritage List.

In contrast, the transitional council in Socotra said that it would stop any escalation in response to the call of notables in the governorate, and to preserve the privacy of the blessed month of Ramadan.

Yemeni sources confirmed that the Saudi forces withdrew from their positions in the city of Hadibu (the center of Socotra governorate), while the Transitional Council continues to mobilize its forces, amid the silence of the Saudi forces.

A source for the island also said recently that Socotra's governor, Ramzi Mahrous, had not received any directives from the Yemeni presidency or any support to confront what was happening.