Ansar Allah claims control over Red Sea islands and Mocha

The Ansar Allah group (Houthis) has announced significant military gains in Yemen, claiming control over the city of Mocha, the island of Perim in the Bab al-Mandab Strait, and various other Yemeni islands in the Red Sea. The group described these actions as a national process to assert Yemeni sovereignty.

In response to these developments, US President Donald Trump reportedly rejected a request from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to conduct military strikes against the Houthi forces. Meanwhile, Iran has expressed support for the group's progress, with an advisor to the Supreme Leader describing the military advances as a ‘resounding victory.’

Regional tensions have escalated as the Saudi Ministry of Energy reported attacks on an east-west pipeline, leading to a precautionary shutdown of the line. Additionally, Houthi-affiliated media reported airstrikes on Mocha airport, which they attributed to Saudi aircraft.