Day: September 11, 2026
NEW: The Houthi offensive to capture territory near the Bab al Mandeb advances Iranian objectives under the current regional campaign that Iran is waging against the United States and its allies. Iran has recently pursued the following lines of effort under this regional campaign: Targeting US naval forces; Attacking US forces across the region; Disrupting traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.
Other Key Takeaways:
The Houthis and Iran may currently share a common objective in Houthi control over the Red Sea coastline, but the nature of their relationship means that the Houthis will independently determine their level of involvement in supporting other Iranian objectives.
The Houthis’ capture of Mokha Port and reported landings on islands near the Bab al Mandeb may set conditions for potential Houthi efforts to establish themselves as a legitimate authority and guarantor of passage through the strait, as Iran has attempted to do in the Strait of Hormuz.
The Houthis exploited military developments in southwestern Yemen in recent days to conduct an offensive against Republic of Yemen Government (ROYG)-aligned forces along the Red Sea coastal plain and capture Mokha. The Houthis have also reportedly attempted to seize ROYG-controlled islands in the Red Sea from which Houthi fighters could launch attacks on international shipping.
The Houthis’ coastal plain offensive accomplished significant Houthi operational and strategic objectives that weaken the ROYG’s ability to disrupt Houthi operations and exert both short-term leverage over Saudi Arabia and possible long-term leverage over the international community. The Houthis could attempt to capture remaining territory on the coastal plain south of Mokha in order to secure lines of communication with Perim Island and exert full control over Yemen’s Red Sea coast.
AXIOS REPORT: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman called President Trump twice yesterday and urged him to attack the Houthis in Yemen, according to two senior American officials. The request came as the Iran-backed group approached a vital maritime crossing point in the Red Sea. Trump refused. Senior U.S. officials emphasized that as of now, the administration has no plans to intervene directly against the Houthis.
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