A mysterious airstrip is reportedly near completion on a remote island off Yemen in a critical commercial shipping lane near the Gulf of Aden. The Associated Press analyzed satellite photos of the runway on Abd al-Kuri Island in the Indian Ocean, a placement that could provide a key landing zone for military operations in the waterway.

A mysterious airstrip being built on a remote island in Yemen is nearing completion, according to satellite photos analyzed by The Associated Press

The runway is likely built by the United Arab Emirates, which has long been suspected of expanding its military presence in the region.