Houthis Seize Control Of Parts Of Yemen From Saudi-backed Forces, Trump Declines To Intervene

The Houthi (Ansar Allah) movement launched a "lightning offensive," seizing Yemen’s entire Red Sea coast over the weekend, including the strategic port of Mocha and Perim Island (Mayun) in the Bab al-Mandab Strait. This rapid advance collapsed Saudi-backed government forces, who were driven from six districts, and resulted in the capture of US-manufactured military vehicles and the UAE-built Mocha airport runway.

The Houthis took over Saudi-supported government coalition positions across Hays, Al-Khawkhah, Mokha, and Dhubab, claiming control of over 4,500 square miles. Their takeover of the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a vital artery for global energy shipping, has forced the suspension of Saudi Arabia’s crucial oil pipeline following drone attacks.

During the retreat of coalition and Saudi-backed local militias, Houthis overran multiple garrisons, seizing substantial quantities of military gear—including U.S.-supplied armored vehicles, artillery, and anti-tank systems left behind by withdrawing forces.

The UN and local reporting indicate nearly 50,000 civilians have fled the rapid advance, emptying towns along the Red Sea coast as fighting escalates.

The Houthis have explicitly threatened Saudi-linked vessels, causing oil tankers to reroute via the Suez Canal or Cape of Good Hope, while claiming navigation remains safe for non-Saudi international ships.

During a visit to Dublin, US President Donald Trump said on Saturday, that the Houthis contacted Washington to request no US military intervention, claiming they "do not want to fight with us," adding that the U.S. intends to let regional partners handle ground dynamics while providing intelligence and non-kinetic targeting support to Riyadh.

However, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reportedly called Trump twice on Thursday, to request direct US airstrikes against the Houthis.

The Trump administration declined direct military action to avoid opening a new front while fighting Iran, offering instead intelligence and targeting support to Saudi Arabia, which has launched over 50 airstrikes in response.

U.S. officials reportedly cited a directive to keep American forces focused on broader regional postures, including monitoring Iran and the Strait of Hormuz, rather than reigniting full-scale kinetic operations in Yemen.

The Houthi offensive coincides with drone and missile strikes targeting oil pipelines and logistics hubs inside southern Saudi Arabia, forcing shutdowns of key transit lines.

By holding the Bab al-Mandab Strait, the Houthis hold immense leverage over global shipping and Red Sea commerce, placing pressure on both Gulf states and international trade markets. Yemen had experienced relative quiet following a 2022 truce, but skirmishes flared up few months ago, before exploding into this full-scale offensive.