'Air support never came': How Houthis caught Saudi forces off guard in 'lightning' strike

“And Mocha has now fallen.”CNN correspondent Nic Robertson reported that communications with commanders and officials inside Mocha were cut during the fighting. By late afternoon, Yemen's information minister confirmed that the Houthis had taken control of the city.The speed of the offensive has raised questions over the preparedness of Saudi-backed Yemeni forces and the extent of military support Riyadh and Washington are willing to provide as the conflict expands.CNN reported that the Houthi advance did not stop at Mocha. Within hours, the rebels moved to seize Perim Island, a strategic position at the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which links the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden. Yemeni sources said the island fell on Friday.The developments give the Houthis control of two crucial positions close to one of the world's most important shipping routes. CNN also reported that the Houthis could use their newly gained position on the coast to deploy boats, including explosive uncrewed vessels, against shipping.The offensive comes as Saudi Arabia faces mounting pressure from the wider regional conflict.

Source: Times of India September 12, 2026 07:17 UTC