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Home News Houthis Capture Mocha and Perim Island in 36-Hour Offensive

Houthis Capture Mocha and Perim Island in 36-Hour Offensive

Sep 13, 2026
61 min
11
Sep 13, 2026 01:30
100 US advisers, no air cover: How Houthis seized Mocha and Perim Island in 36 hours

## Rapid Houthi Offensive

In a swift military operation, Houthi forces captured the strategic port of Mocha and Perim Island within 36 hours. Despite the presence of over 100 US military advisers providing intelligence support to Saudi Arabia, the anticipated air cover never materialized.

## Strategic Importance

The fall of these locations is significant due to their positions near the Bab Al Mandeb Strait, a crucial maritime chokepoint. This development potentially increases Iran's influence over this vital shipping route, especially as tensions in the Strait of Hormuz continue.

## Lack of Air Support

Saudi Arabia had requested direct US military intervention, but President Trump reportedly declined to authorize airstrikes. The US maintained its focus on safeguarding navigation freedom and supporting regional partners without direct military involvement.

## Internal Weaknesses

The failure to defend these positions also highlighted internal issues within the Yemeni forces. Reports indicated that many troops listed on rosters were "ghost names," leading to a significantly weaker defense than expected.

## Regional Implications

The capture of Mocha and Perim Island has broader implications for regional security. Control over these areas allows the Houthis to potentially disrupt shipping routes further and poses a challenge for US and allied forces in the region.

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