The Australian government has stepped in to aid tourists from the country who find themselves stuck on a secluded desert island in Yemen.

These travelers are part of a larger group of international tourists who journeyed to Socotra, an island nestled in the Indian Ocean, only to become entangled in escalating regional tensions.

A spokesperson from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) confirmed today, “We are offering consular support to a small number of Australians currently in Yemen.”

“Due to privacy obligations, we cannot provide further details,” the spokesperson added.

Approximately 400 foreign visitors, according to reports, have had their travel itineraries disrupted after Yemeni authorities declared a state of emergency on Socotra. This declaration led to the closure of all entry points, including the island’s airport.

The island is a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to the rare Dragon Blood tree. It has become a magnet for adventure tourists and social media influencers attracted by its stunning cliffs, rare fauna and pristine white sand beaches.

Yemen has been mired for more than a decade in a civil war that involves a complex interplay of sectarian grievances and the involvement of regional powers.

The Iran-aligned Houthis control the most populous regions of the country, including the capital Sanaa. Meanwhile, a loose regional coalition of powers – including Saudi Arabia and the UAE – has backed the internationally recognised government in the south.

Its distance from the mainland has shielded Socotra from the worst of Yemen’s long-running conflict. But regional tensions that last week culminated in Saudi strikes on a UAE-linked shipment in Yemen have now had an impact.

Flights are expected to restart this week, but it is still unclear when.

DFAT advises Australians against travelling to Socotra due to ongoing armed conflict and a very high threat of kidnapping and terrorism. There are also military operations against Houthi targets in the Red Sea.

Australia, like many other Western nations, does not have an embassy or consulate in Yemen.

Officials at the Australian embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, are unable to provide emergency help to citizens in Yemen.