Hundreds of tourists stranded on remote island as troops are pulled from conflict zone

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) withdrew its troops last week following a deadline from Saudi Arabia. The actions left tourists on the island of Socotra, Reuters reported.

The island is located about 186 miles south of Yemen's coast. It came under UAE control in 2018, welcoming tourists through UAE airlines, according to Reuters.

"Nobody has any information, and everyone just wants to go back to their normal lives," said Krikstaponiene. 

She was unable to get back to Abu Dhabi on Sunday.

A spokesperson with Poland's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Maciej Wewiór, posted about the situation on X on Sunday.

"Sokotra is located in a highly unstable region where an armed conflict has been ongoing for years," wrote Wewior. 

"Currently, the security situation has further deteriorated - due to the intensification of military operations, airspace has been closed."

Wewoir announced that airlines will resume flights, allowing Polish tourists to return home.

The advisory was reissued on Dec. 19.

"Do not travel to Socotra or any part of Yemen," the advisory states. "Some companies outside Yemen have misrepresented the safety of the Yemeni island of Socotra."

U.S. officials state that companies may offer tourist trips with unofficial and invalid visas - putting tourists in danger as well as legal jeopardy.

"The U.S. government cannot assist U.S. citizens in Socotra," it states.

Efrat Lachter of Fox News, plus Reuters, contributed reporting.