100 US advisers, no air cover: How Houthis seized Mocha and Perim Island in 36 hours

According to a report by Gulf News, Houthi forces have allegedly seized control of Mocha and Perim Island in the Red Sea following a rapid 36-hour operation. The report claims that the maneuver was executed despite the presence of approximately 100 US advisers in the region, who were reportedly without air cover during the engagement. The strategic significance of these locations, which overlook the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, has long been a focal point of the ongoing conflict in Yemen and regional maritime security.

While the Houthi movement has frequently targeted commercial and military vessels in the Red Sea, the assertion that they have successfully seized these specific territories in such a short timeframe remains unverified by international observers or official military spokespeople. The claim regarding the vulnerability of US advisers adds a layer of geopolitical tension to the report, though no official confirmation from the US Department of Defense or regional coalition partners has been provided to substantiate the presence or status of these personnel.

As tensions continue to escalate in the Red Sea, the impact on global trade and oil prices remains a primary concern for international stakeholders. Analysts suggest that any change in control over the Bab el-Mandeb Strait could significantly disrupt shipping lanes, potentially forcing vessels to reroute and increasing operational costs. NoorNews continues to monitor official statements from regional governments and international maritime authorities to clarify the security situation on the ground.