Ansarallah Seizes Strategic Yemeni Port and Island Amid Coalition Defense Gaps

SANAA, Sept. 13 (AP) — Ansarallah forces captured the historic port city of Al-Mokha and the strategically vital Perim Island on Saturday, marking a decisive escalation in the conflict as Saudi-backed Yemeni government defenses collapsed under a coordinated offensive.

The takeover of Al-Mokha, Yemen's second-largest city and a critical hub for international trade, was secured following a rapid advance by Ansarallah troops. Simultaneously, rebel forces established control over Perim Island in the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a narrow waterway connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden that handles a significant portion of global maritime traffic.

The offensive succeeded due to a combination of structural weaknesses within Yemeni government units and a notable absence of external military support. Government forces, described as understaffed and poorly equipped in key sectors, were unable to hold their positions against the rebel push. The collapse was exacerbated by delays in Saudi decision-making regarding reinforcement strategies and a failure to deliver promised air cover.

United States officials confirmed they did not intervene militarily during the operation, adhering to a policy of non-intervention in ground combat operations within Yemen. This stance left Saudi-backed forces without the anticipated aerial support that had previously been a cornerstone of their defensive strategy in the region.

Ansarallah commanders stated that the capture of Al-Mokha and Perim Island was the result of a long-planned strategic offensive designed to exploit gaps in the coalition's defense posture. The rebels moved quickly to secure supply lines and key infrastructure before government forces could regroup. The loss of Perim Island is particularly significant, as it provides Ansarallah with direct oversight of one of the world's most critical shipping chokepoints.

Saudi Arabia has not yet issued a formal statement regarding the specific military failures that led to the losses, though officials in Riyadh acknowledged the gravity of the situation. The Yemeni government in Sanaa declared a state of emergency in the affected regions but offered no immediate plan for retaking the territories.

The fall of these locations raises urgent questions about the future stability of the Bab al-Mandab Strait and the ability of the Saudi-led coalition to maintain its defensive perimeter. International shipping companies are monitoring the situation closely, with some vessels already altering routes to avoid potential disruptions near Perim Island.

As Ansarallah consolidates control over Al-Mokha's port facilities, the immediate future of humanitarian aid deliveries to southern Yemen remains uncertain. It is unclear whether Saudi Arabia will commit additional ground troops or revise its air support protocols in response to the setbacks. The conflict continues to evolve as both sides assess the new reality on the ground.